TorontoHard-line employers like North Bay Hydro that have been emboldened by years of Tory government legislation and policies that hurt workers are out of touch with todays economic and workplace realities and are needlessly provoking and sustaining long labour disputes.
Since the rash of corporate scandals and scams, the tide has turned on hard-line employers. Workers are coming out of this regrettable period the heroes. And they are now being recognized for their important and consistent contributions to the well-being of the economy and our communities, says Sid Ryan, the Ontario president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the union that represents 35 North Bay Hydro workers who are members of CUPE Local 72 and have been on strike since
July 4.
As for the recent media reports that North Bay Hydro is drafting a new contract offer, Ryan says that after weeks of trying to break the workers resolve and attempting to bust this union, this intransigent employer has finally realized this isnt going to happen and they have to get back to cutting a deal.
The residents of North Bay should be asking themselves why North Bay Hydro and municipal elected leaders, many of whom sit on the utilitys board, are prolonging this strike and why they are mistreating these important workers who are their neighbours and friends in the community.
Ryan will join the striking members of CUPE Local 72, their families and community supporters, for a rally on Monday, September 9, 2002 at North Bay City Hall between 5:00 p.m. and 7 p.m. Following the rally, Ryan and Local 72 members will be making a deputation to North Bay council.
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For more information please contact:
Sid Ryan, President CUPE Ontario
(416) 209-0066
Stella Yeadon, CUPE Communications
(416) 578-8774