Unifor Local 103 has confirmed to BayToday.ca that the ONTC will be locking out its 195 Ontario Northland workers beginning on Saturday, November 14th.
The union had been going over a recent contract offer from the ONTC with bargaining that ended on Friday, November 6th.
“We have begun a review of the document to determine if it meets the requirements for a fair and equitable agreement on behalf of our members,” said Andy Mitchell, Unifor Local 103 President in a release sent out late Monday afternoon.
The ONTC has told the 195 Unifor workers that they will not be required to work for the 72 hour notice period.
“I am disappointed that an agreement has not been reached,” said Corina Moore, President and CEO of Ontario Northland in a release.
“Meaningful changes are required to improve the organization, meet our transformation goals and secure profitable business opportunities for our Remanufacturing and Repair Division. The previous collective agreements expired in 2013. It is time to conclude our negotiations and focus on improving the organization.”
The ONTC stated in the release that they are willling to meet with Unifor and hear its position on the ONTC's final offers.
The ONTC states they are hopeful that the deadline will result in a serious attempt by Unifor to reach a collective agreement.
Some of the bargaining issues include trade flexibility - allowing multiple trades to work together, benefit changes to meet with other public service standards, and elimination of or changes to employment security provisions within the agreements.
Freight, motor coach, and passenger rail (Polar Bear Express) transportation services will continue to operate as scheduled.