Send solidarity messages of support to workers at ASAP Secured Inc., members of USW Local 9597 who have been locked out by the employer and join them on the picket line at 300 North Harbour Road West, Goderich, ON, Canada.
This is the only security service job site in the community, so the members of USW Local 9597 are proceeding cautiously with information pickets on the public access road to the mine.
The major issue in the negotiations is wages.
“Despite attempts at mediation and offers from the union to reach a compromise, the company has refused to change its contract offer over the last six months,” Marty Warren, USW Ontario Director noted. “It appears the company wants to maintain a precarious, minimum-wage workforce.”
The company decided to lock out the employees after the union advised that it would be applying for first-contract arbitration as a result of changes made to Ontario’s labour laws under Bill 148.
After the union files its application at the beginning of January, an arbitrated, first-contract settlement could be reached within a few weeks.
“It’s a clear process that will produce a first contract within a mandated timeline. There is no need for this company to lock out its employees in the meantime, other than to impose unnecessary hardship during the holiday season,” Warren said.
“We will support our members and their families throughout this process and ensure they will overcome this employer’s mean-spirited decision.”
For further information:
Jesse Walker, USW Staff Representative, 519-671-7913, jwalker@usw.ca