Move will cause 'more fatigue for all field workers'
One union will be launching a national campaign to stop methane leaks and ensure utilities are providing safe and modern gas infrastructure for Canadians.
This comes after Enbridge Gas' proposal to eliminate the evening and overnight emergency response shift. That would spell danger for Canadians, says Unifor.
"The disregard for public safety is breath-taking," says Lana Payne, Unifor national president. "If the company does not have enough workers to fulfil critical emergency roles, it is because it has laid off too many workers in pursuit of returns for shareholders."
In March, Canada Goose announced it is reducing its workforce count by 17%.
Worker fatigue, a concern for union
Unifor notes that the evening (after 4 p.m.) shift at Enbridge is almost entirely an emergency response shift staffed by four workers for the evening. Meanwhile, the overnight (after 8 p.m.) shift is only staffed by two positions to respond to critical gas leaks or broken infrastructure.
Enbridge has also internally announced a plan to reduce or eliminate compliance work because the company is not employing enough workers to do the inspections and fix problems, says Unifor.
After reducing workforce numbers, for the third time in recent years, an already stretched thin group will now be required to absorb more On-Call response hours, says the union.
This will cause further worker shortages during regular operating hours, causing more fatigue for all field workers. Worker fatigue, Unifor notes, has the potential to lead to:
- motor vehicle accidents
- stress and declining mental health
- lack of focus during safety sensitive tasks
- serious injuries or fatalities
Over half (53 per cent) of workers in Canada are having a negative feeling about work, while nearly one-third (30 per cent) of these workers feel tired and overworked, according to a previous ADP Canada report.
Maintain all work shifts, says union
To counter the potential hazards, Unifor suggests that Enbridge must maintain all existing shifts, including Local 975 CBA afternoon (including weekends) and night shifts.
The employer must also add a two-person crew to each shift, it says.
Benefits of the recommendations, Unior says, are:
- Reduction in worker fatigue, stress, preventable MVIs and potential for Serious Injuries or Fatalities.
- Reduction in sick time due to overextended workers becoming burned out.
- Quicker response times to emergencies during what can be very busy times during the week. This will reduce the potential for explosions that can lead to injuries or fatalities to Enbridge employees and members of the public.
- Reduced damage to our climate and our company’s reputation as an industry leader.
