Workers set up blockade at Progressive Moulded Products

Frustrated laid off workers have started a blockade at a bankrupt Ont.-based automotive parts supplier, in an attempt to negotiate for better severance settlements.

Workers started off a blockade at the Vaughan, Ont. facility of Progressive Moulded Products Ltd., a Concord, Ont.-based company that announced it had gone bankrupt this month. In total, the company shuttered more than 10 facilities in Ontario, and laid off more than 2,000 workers.

A judge has issued a court order over the weekend for the protest to be shut down, citing concern that it was preventing the Big 3 automakers from retrieving tools from the plant. However, the blockade continues today, and police have not stepped in to enforce the court order.

Workers are reportedly upset over severance payouts. According to media reports, workers received a $1,500 settlement.

Progressive Moulded Products is one of the few parts makers that have recently gone under. At the time it filed for bankruptcy, the company reported $10 million in assets and more than $500 million in debts.

Progressive listed up to 1,000 creditors, including a few Canadian firms like Windsor Mold Group and Windsor-based W.M. Tool Inc.

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