Ontario Northland workers in legal strike position March 12

Workers at Ontario Northland are heading towards a strike deadline March 12, with bargaining to resume March 9.

Unifor Local 103 members voted 96.3 per cent in support of strike action, “signaling unwavering solidarity in their negotiations with the employer,” the union said in a news release Friday.

Discussions are set between the union and employer from March 8 to March 12. Without a settled agreement by then, Unifor Local 103 members at Ontario Northland are poised to initiate a strike at 12:01 a.m. on March 12.

"Despite the challenges, our members have remained steadfast, demonstrating their resilience and determination to fight for what is just," Lana Payne, Unifor national president, is quoted as saying in the release.

"It's disheartening to see the disparity between the treatment of our hardworking members and the executive level's payout."

Since the summer, the bargaining committee has been in discussions with Ontario Northland, with key issues including benefits and wages.

"Ontario Northland has proposed significant changes that challenge our current benefits, wages, and overall working conditions," Jeremy Rodgers, president of Unifor Local 103, said in the release.

"Ontario Northland has pointed to financial constraints as a reason for its stance, yet the dedication and contributions of our workers warrant fair recognition and compensation. These negotiations are crucial, as they set the precedent for our members' futures."

Keith Darbyson, the company's manager of labour and employee relations, said in an email the company hopes for an agreement. The current contract ended Dec. 31.

“Both bargaining teams have been working diligently to reach an agreement," Darbyson said.

"Our employees and unions have a vital role in shaping a stable and sustainable future for Ontario Northland. Bargaining will resume tomorrow, March 9. Ontario Northland remains positive that a fair agreement can be reached.”

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy.

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