November 17, 2016
The Honourable Marc Garneau
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Dear Minister Garneau:
Re: Potential labour disruption at Blue Water Bridge
I am writing to add the voice of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL), which represents 54 unions and one million workers in Ontario, to the PSAC call for you to step in and end a possible labour disruption at the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward, Ontario.
The OFL stands in solidarity with the 47 workers employed at Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward, Ontario, who have been in a strike or lockout position since October 6, 2016. These
workers have been bargaining with their employer, a Crown corporation which reports to parliament, for almost two years. Their last agreement expired on November 7, 2014.
While these employees work for a Crown corporation, the OFL supports the right of all Ontarians to bargain collectively with their employer.
The Ontario Federation of Labour supports these workers in their struggle to reach a fair agreement with their employer. It cannot be argued that their work is not essential to the
functioning of Ontario’s transportation system; Blue Water Bridge is Canada’s second busiest crossing for commercial traffic.
On behalf of the Ontario Federation of Labour and its affiliates, I call on you to assist the workers who work on this bridge by requesting that the FBCL return to the bargaining table to continue negotiations to avoid a labour disruption. PSAC, an affiliate member of the Ontario Federation of Labour has been bargaining in good faith with the employer and wishes to settle this issue in a fair manner.
With your assistance, I expect that these workers can reach a fair agreement that works to the benefit of these employees, and the Blue Water Bridge.
Sincerely,
CHRIS BUCKLEY
President
