NIAGARA REGION – The Welland Canal will see a quiet day, since strike action was called by St. Lawrence Seaway Management and Unifor after negotiations failed over the weekend.
Unifor locals filed the 72-hour strike notice on October 18th, and Despite the recent round of negotiations, they didn’t reach an agreement before the deadline of midnight last night. Unifor National President Lana Payne expressed disappointment that a agreement was unable to be made.
“This impasse is extremely unfortunate but our members remain committed to getting a fair agreement.”
The Seaway will remain shut down to navigation until an agreement can be reached.
Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier emphasized ongoing commitment of their negotiating committee’s.
“We negotiated in good faith right up to the last moment, but we cannot allow workers’ rights to be compromised. We remain open to discussion and hope that the employer will reconsider its position for the good of all.”
The SLSMC is waiting for a response to its Canada Industrial Relations Board application, seeking approval as allowed under the Canada Labour Code for grain transportation ships to continue using the canals during the work stoppage.
Morning News Reporter Keasha Maile went to the Glendale Ave bridge to speak with Unifor President for Local 4212 Mark Bocchinfuso about their involvement in the strike action.
