Welcome, SeaStar Solutions!

Local 501 is pleased to welcome the 300 employees of SeaStar Solutions in Richmond. 

“After three years of being underrepresented by Unifor, we are excited to have CLAC at SeaStar,” says Roland Medina, a production worker at the factory. 

Beginning in January this year, worker representatives began contacting CLAC with concerns that were not being addressed by their current union. Their biggest concern was that part of the cost of the company benefits plan was passed on to employees, many of whom were paying close to $130 per month out of their own pockets. CLAC has managed its own benefits plan for over 30 years, and with 26,000 participants, is able to achieve significant cost advantages because of its size and expertise.

“In addition to cost-effective benefits, SeaStar employees are looking forward to our hands-on approach to labour relations,” says Don Mundy, CLAC representative. “We will have two representatives directly looking after the employees’ issues and improving their work-life.” 

SeaStar Solutions is one of the largest manufacturing plants in Richmond, employing over 400 production workers, machinists, engineers, and administrative personnel. The company specializes in the production of hydraulic and electronic power steering components for the personal watercraft industry. It also manufactures auxiliary heating components for transport trucks, buses, and the military.