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Canadian Engineering & Tool, one of Windsor’s oldest tool and die shops, finds itself behind a picket line set up by one of the city’s oldest unionized workforces.

It’s the first time in 80 years that the union representing skilled trades workers at the company formed in 1922 has gone on strike.

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“We have a great relationship with the owner … (but) we didn’t expect the employer to seek concessions,” said Unifor Local 195 president Emile Nabbout. “This is our first time on the picket line.”

Following a 17-hour bargaining session on Friday, Aug. 30, Nabbout said “the employer chose to walk away.” After giving the employer the weekend to return to the table, he said union employees walked off the job the following Monday, Labour Day.

“We’re still open to dialogue — hopefully, we can connect again,” Nabbout told the Star Monday, adding no new talks have been scheduled, with the union waiting to hear back from the employer. The previous contract expired Sept. 1.