Union Workers Protest Developer with Inflatable Rat

This section is Presented

This section was produced by the editorial department. The client was not given the opportunity to put restrictions on the content or review it prior to publication.

by HAVEN HOME HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

“The issue is the fact that Jay Patry hasn’t been bargaining in good faith with us. He has a signed collective agreement that dictates the terms and conditions of work, and he’s not abiding by that. He’s refusing to renew the existing collective agreement,” said Jason Ottey is the director of government relations and communications for Laborers’ International Union of North America (Li UNA) Local 183.

Feb 26, 2026  •  Last updated Feb 26, 2026  • 

A giant blow up rat has been set up outside of a construction site on Andersen Drive in Kingston on Feb. 25, 2026. Outside of the site, Liuna Local 183 members stand in solidarity. Photo by Maegen Kulchar /The Kingston Whig-Standard

Those driving down Andersen Drive near Rona in Kingston’s west end may have to take a second glance at what’s parked outside of a high-rise construction site.

This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your community.

Unlimited online access to all articles on thewhig. com. Access to subscriber-only content, including History: As We Saw It, a weekly newsletter that rips history from our archives, which span almost 190 years. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalism and the next generation of journalists.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your community.

Unlimited online access to all articles on thewhig. com. Access to subscriber-only content, including History: As We Saw It, a weekly newsletter that rips history from our archives, which span almost 190 years. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalism and the next generation of journalists.

Access more articles from thewhig. com. Get email updates from your favourite journalists.

.

.

Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors

or

An inflatable rat that stands more than 10 feet tall and features pointy teeth, red eyes, with depictions of oozing, pus-filled scabs on its belly.

Nicknamed “Scabby,” this rat has been an iconic fixture on union picket lines throughout North America for many years.

Here in Kingston, it’s standing tall for Labourers’ International Union of North America (Li UNA!) Local 183 members who went on strike Monday because they say a Kingston developer hasn’t been negotiating fairly with them.

“Li UNA! Local 183 is a construction trade union and we are currently engaged in a legal strike against Jay Patry who is known as a home builder out here in Kingston. The issue is Jay Patry hasn’t been bargaining in good faith with us. He has a signed collective agreement that outlines work terms and conditions but isn’t following it. He’s also refusing to renew this existing collective agreement,” said Jason Ottey who serves as director for government relations and communications for Li UNA!. “We had no choice but to go before Ontario Labour Relations Board for something called a no board report that puts us legally allowed to strike-and here we are.”

The Kingston Whig-Standard’s Noon News Roundup

Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links , news highlights , analysis , and features.

By signing up you consent to receive this newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

!

A welcome email should arrive soon. If you don ‘t see it , please check your junk folder.