Point Edward, ON, Nov. 20, 2016 - The 47 workers represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) who work for Blue Water Bridge are taking strike action after the employer (the Federal Bridge Corporation), refused to bargain fairly and continued to demand major concessions.
PSAC served the employer with the legally required 72-hour notice as of Thursday November 17, 2016, following a membership meeting with the workers at Blue Water Bridge. Members have made it clear that if the employer is not willing to negotiate fairly, that we would take strike action.
PSAC and the employer met for one day of bargaining on Saturday, November 19, 2016, in a last attempt to reach an agreement. The employer continued their demands to slash the workers benefits and demand major concessions that would have set workers back years.
"We tried to get an agreement, but they refused to negotiate in good faith and remove the concessions and roll backs off the table", says Paul Haney, Local President. "I am sorry that commuters and commercial vehicles will be inconvenienced now because of the disrespect the Federal Bridge Corporation has shown its workers."
Effective, November 21, 2016, at 6:00 a.m. our members will be in a legal strike position. We ask the public's support during this strike, which is a result of bullying tactics by this corporation to force the workers to accept major concessions. Commuters should be aware that this may slow traffic down on the bridge and should let their frustration be known by sending a message to the Federal Bridge Corporation.
"We had no choice but to take action," states Sharon DeSousa, PSAC Ontario Regional Executive Vice-President. "This could have all been avoided if the Federal Bridge Corporation was serious about negotiating. They are responsible for the impact on the public and should they wish to resolve this situation we are ready to continue negotiations."
For further information:
For more information or to book interviews, please contact: Lino Vieira, Political Communications Officer, vieiral@psac-afpc.com or 416-577-0238