Religion vs Unifor: Gingrich Woodcraft factory at centre of debate remains closed

The national director of organizing for Unifor, John Aman, says he remains hopeful a buyer can be found for Gingrich Woodcraft, a furniture factory near Fort Frances, in northwestern Ontario, which closed in August 2015, after the 25 workers voted in favour of unionizing.

Gingrich Woodcraft said in a statement at the time that, as Christian business owners, their personal beliefs did not allow them freedom to work with a labour union.

The company stated, "We are required by scripture to 'live peaceably with all men,' and not to use force to gain what we want or for what is required to succeed."

There has been some interest from various parties in purchasing the operation, said Aman, but so far the business remains closed.

"I certainly hope there is a buyer and that there's a buyer sooner, rather than later and that we can move on and we certainly wouldn't get in the way of any pending sale and obviously we would work with whoever is purchasing the company in whatever transition is required at the time," he said.

"It's in a northern community and doesn't have the level of employment of bigger communities," said Aman, adding that a sale would be of benefit to both the region, and the current owners.

"I think they would want those workers to have those jobs and help people and their families thrive."

Most of the workers have found other employment, or moved away, said Aman.

Unifor appealed the decision to close the factory to the Ontario Labour Relations Board.

The case was heard and the two sides reached a settlement, giving employees 35-weeks of severance, and right of first consideration if and when a new buyer is found.

CBC News attempted to contact the owners of Gingrich Woodcraft, but was unable to reach them.