‘The lockout is illegal as a result of the (authorities) seeks to discourage staff from exercising their proper to strike by self-discipline, threats and coercion,’ says PEGO
TORONTO — Ontario authorities engineers taking part in rotating strikes that contain stopping work on Freeway 413 and the Bradford Bypass amid contract negotiations are alleging the province is now unlawfully locking them out and interfering with their proper to strike.
Members of the Skilled Engineers Authorities of Ontario, which represents greater than 600 skilled engineers and land surveyors who work for the province, have filed a grievance with the Ontario Labour Relations Board.
They’ve been in a authorized strike place since Oct. 8 and late final month began rotating strikes, withdrawing companies from the important thing Ontario infrastructure initiatives. They now say the federal government is successfully suspending these employees by telling them they can’t return to work “till additional discover by the employer.”
“The (authorities’s) intent is evident: by indefinitely banning from the office those that withdraw their companies, the (authorities) sends a message to any potential second rotation of strikers that they too can be indefinitely banned from the office,” PEGO wrote in its submission to the labour board.
“The lockout is illegal as a result of the (authorities) seeks to discourage staff from exercising their proper to strike by self-discipline, threats and coercion. The…assertion of the authority to find out how lengthy staff withdraw their companies is opposite to the staff’ proper to withdraw their companies in accordance with the strike plans developed by PEGO.”
Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney stated in query interval Monday that the federal government has held quite a few bargaining periods with PEGO in an effort to barter a good deal.
“With respect to the newest lockout, staff represented by PEGO have determined to totally withdraw their companies, they usually have been reminded of the related phrases and circumstances of their employment,” she stated.
“Like all worker who refuses to work, PEGO staff who refuse to work won’t be paid. However this info was clearly communicated to PEGO management and PEGO represented-employees. The federal government respects PEGO’s rights and stays dedicated to reaching a good and cheap deal on the desk.”
PEGO president Nihar Bhatt has stated members’ earnings have fallen to date behind that they generally earn half of what individuals in comparable positions at municipalities make.
Thus far no significant progress has been made in bargaining with the Treasury Board Secretariat despite the fact that the engineers have been with no contract for 20 months, Bhatt stated. He didn’t give a particular share improve he’s searching for however stated it’s “vital.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Nov. 4, 2024.
Allison Jones, The Canadian Press
