Strike deadline expected for June 12: CUPE
Negotiators for the union representing 140 employees at the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA), said they have reached a crossroads on May 28 and have requested a “no board” report from the Ontario Ministry of Labour.
“We believe the two sides are close to an agreement, but it became clear to us that we are now at a crossroads,” said Harry Goslin, president of the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU), Local 1750, of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
IHSA provides health and safety training, audit and evaluation services to a wide range of Ontario employers and employees who perform high-risk activities, such as construction, electrical work, dangerous goods transport and utility line clearing, said the union.
The ministry issues a “no board” report when one of the parties to a labour negotiation believes that the sides have reached an impasse and requests the report. From the date of issue, the parties then have 17 days before a lockout or strike can occur, according to CUPE.
The ministry is expected to issue the report by the end of the week, or early next week, and a lockout or strike deadline is expected on or around June 12, said the union.
For several months, OCEU has been attempting to negotiate a collective agreement for all IHSA staff.
“We have an opportunity to successfully conclude negotiations, with no disruption in service, if both parties are prepared to use the time we have wisely and are willing to negotiate,” said Goslin.
