Kingston – The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) communicated to the Corp of Commissionaires last week that our union would pay the benefit coverage of their workers in the event of a strike or lockout, which could take place as soon as June 24th.
This is a standard practice in labour relations between unions and employers when a labour disruption occurs so that workers have continuous access to their benefits. As this is a standard practice, which is of no cost to the employer, this request in normally granted between the parties.
However, the employer rejected the union’s proposal. Instead, they advised PSAC that they will cancel their workers benefits if they undertook labour action.
“This is the type of mean spirited and vindictive action we have come to expect from this employer,” says Sharon DeSousa, PSAC Ontario Regional Executive Vice-President. “Workers have the legal right to strike and this decision by the Corps shows how little they value the veterans that work for them.”
PSAC has gone ahead and taken out benefit overage for the workers that mirrors most provisions of the current benefit plan and will pay the premiums accordingly in the event of a strike or lockout.
The Corps of Commissionaires has now applied for a forced vote from the Ministry of Labour on essentially the same offer the workers previously voted down. The vote will take place on Wednesday, June 19th.
“This afront to the negotiations process is another example of the pressure tactics this employer uses and is frankly completely disrespectful to the hard-working men and women employed by the Corp,” states Ms. DeSousa. “Our union will defend these workers and continue to stand with them in their fight for respect!”
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Lino Vieira, Political Communications Officer, vieiral@psac-afpc.com or 416-577-0238