Point Edward, ON, Nov. 22, 2016 - The 47 workers represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) who work for Blue Water Bridge are on strike as of November 21, 2016.
PSAC has reached out to other unions, community groups and the public to not use the Blue Water Bridge to avoid the picket lines.
As of Monday, November 21st, truck traffic has been down, as well as commuter vehicles. “This low traffic is something I’ve never seen before in my years working at Blue Water Bridge, especially right before a long weekend,” says Paul Haney, Local President. “It is extremely unusual and that tells us that the public is supporting us by avoiding the bridge. We also know the truck drivers are behind us, as normally on the Monday and Tuesday the trucks try to cross before a long weekend so they can get home to their families in the quickest way.”
The Federal Bridge Corporation, which is responsible for Blue Water Bridge has not contacted the union to continue negotiations and end this strike. They, along with the Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau are allowing thousands in lost revenue to continue from the decreased traffic because of the strike instead of negotiating with the workers.
"It’s Thanksgiving this weekend for our American friends and Black Friday is coming up, which is one of the busiest times of the year for the Bridge,” states Sharon DeSousa, PSAC Ontario Regional Executive Vice-President. “If the Federal Bridge Corporation chooses not to negotiate with these workers, there will be financial consequences for them.”
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