Manufacturing & Production Workers in Ontario
Manufacturing Workers Build Ontario — We Help Protect Them
Manufacturing and production workers are essential to Ontario’s economy. From factory floors to food-processing plants, this work keeps goods moving and businesses running.
UBC Local 1072 represents manufacturing and production workers across Ontario by helping secure fair wages, safer workplaces, and real job security.
This page explains manufacturing work clearly — and how union representation can help.
Who this page is for
This page is for people working in manufacturing and production jobs in Ontario, including:
• Factory and plant workers
• Assembly line workers
• Production and general labourers
• Machine and press operators
• Food and beverage processing workers
• Materials handling and warehouse workers
• Maintenance department workers
If your work involves production, processing, plant operations, or materials handling, this page is for you.
What Manufacturing & Production Work Involves
Manufacturing and production jobs involve making, assembling, or processing goods in factories, plants, or workshops.
This work often includes:
• Operating machines or tools
• Repetitive tasks
• Shift work (days, nights, rotating schedules)
• Production targets and quotas
• Working around heavy equipment
These jobs are essential — but they can also involve safety risks, physical strain, and scheduling pressure.
Common Manufacturing Jobs We Represent
Job titles vary by employer, but the work is often similar.
Common roles include:
• Factory and plant workers
• Assembly line workers
• Production and general labourers
• Machine operators
• Printers & press operators
• Glass cutters/glaziers
• Lumber-mill & wood-product workers
• Shippers & receivers
• Forklift operators
• Food-processing workers (packing, cutting,
bottling)
• Pickers & loaders
• Inventory/stock handlers
• Yard & material handlers
• Maintenance department
Union protections apply to the work you do, not just your job title.
Common Risks in Manufacturing Jobs
Many manufacturing workers face similar challenges across Ontario workplaces.
Physical Strain
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Heavy lifting
• Long hours standing
Safety Hazards
• Unguarded or poorly
maintained machines
• Lockout and tagout failures
• Inadequate safety training
Scheduling and Pay Issues
• Mandatory or excessive
overtime
• Last-minute shift changes
• Missed breaks or unpaid
time
Many problems happen because workers feel pressure to “keep the line moving” — even when something isn’t safe.
How Union Representation Helps Manufacturing Workers
Union representation means you are not dealing with management alone.
A collective agreement typically includes:
• Clear wage rates
• Overtime rules
• Health and safety protections
• Job posting and layoff language
• A formal grievance process
UBC Local 1072 helps enforce these protections — not just negotiate them.
If something goes wrong at work, there is a process to address it.
Training and Skill Development
Union membership can support:
• Workplace safety certifications (such as WHMIS)
• Equipment and job-specific training
• Skill development within manufacturing roles
• Long-term career stability
Manufacturing work does not have to be temporary or disposable. It can be a career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any Ontario workplace with two or more non-managerial employees can join a union. Our local is open to manufacturing, warehousing, transport, hospitality, service, retail, education, security and energy workers—full-time, part-time, casual, or seasonal—so long as you have an employment relationship outside of management, you are entitled to be part of the process.
The greatest benefit to joining the UBC would be negotiating power! You and your coworkers will finally have a voice to help shape your organization with the full support of the UBC by your side. The UBC also gives you FREE access to training opportunities, in-house lawyers, WSIB specialists, local reps who are on call 24/7 and so much more.
You, as an employee, will be able to decide what important changes need to happen, from higher wages, greater benefits, pension plans, scheduling, premiums and so on. This is one of the reasons why most companies do not like the idea of Unions. Your voice will be heard and you will finally have a say! These changes would be legally binding in a Collective Agreement so no more broken promises by the Company!
The greatest benefit to joining the UBC would be negotiating power! You and your coworkers will finally have a voice to help shape your organization with the full support of the UBC by your side. The UBC also gives you FREE access to training opportunities, in-house lawyers, WSIB specialists, local reps who are on call 24/7 and so much more.
You, as an employee, will be able to decide what important changes need to happen, from higher wages, greater benefits, pension plans, scheduling, premiums and so on. This is one of the reasons why most companies do not like the idea of Unions. Your voice will be heard and you will finally have a say! These changes would be legally binding in a Collective Agreement so no more broken promises by the Company!
The greatest benefit to joining the UBC would be negotiating power! You and your coworkers will finally have a voice to help shape your organization with the full support of the UBC by your side. The UBC also gives you FREE access to training opportunities, in-house lawyers, WSIB specialists, local reps who are on call 24/7 and so much more.
You, as an employee, will be able to decide what important changes need to happen, from higher wages, greater benefits, pension plans, scheduling, premiums and so on. This is one of the reasons why most companies do not like the idea of Unions. Your voice will be heard and you will finally have a say! These changes would be legally binding in a Collective Agreement so no more broken promises by the Company!
The greatest benefit to joining the UBC would be negotiating power! You and your coworkers will finally have a voice to help shape your organization with the full support of the UBC by your side. The UBC also gives you FREE access to training opportunities, in-house lawyers, WSIB specialists, local reps who are on call 24/7 and so much more.
You, as an employee, will be able to decide what important changes need to happen, from higher wages, greater benefits, pension plans, scheduling, premiums and so on. This is one of the reasons why most companies do not like the idea of Unions. Your voice will be heard and you will finally have a say! These changes would be legally binding in a Collective Agreement so no more broken promises by the Company!
Questions About Your Workplace?
You do not have to make any decisions right away.
If you work in manufacturing or production in Ontario and want to better understand your options, you can speak with UBC Local 1072 privately.
We can help you:
• Understand how union representation works
• Learn whether your type of job may be covered
• Talk through concerns about pay, safety, scheduling, or treatment at work
• Review your options confidentially
There is no pressure and no obligation.
Contact UBC Local 1072 to talk privately about your workplace.
Why This Page Exists
This page is here to:
• Explain manufacturing work clearly
• Answer real worker questions
• Help people understand their rights
• Make it easier to take the next step
If you work in manufacturing, you deserve clear information — and real support.