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Union discouraged by threats of more ONTC layoffs

The president of the union that represents approximately 400 ONTC employees says the threat of continued layoffs is hurting prospects for a new collective agreement.

The president of the union that represents approximately 400 ONTC employees says the threat of continued layoffs is hurting prospects for a new collective agreement.

Andy Mitchell told BayToday that, "The company continues to say there's a good possibility there is going to be more layoffs coming in the future, but didn't give us any details of where they are or what the jobs are. It's hard for us to bargain when the floor keeps moving."

Unifor Local 10 has been without a contract for over a year.

Mitchell says he has been advised by the ONTC of an additional layoff of a pipefitter which became effective today, bringing total announced layoffs and job cuts to 20 positions since September 2014.

“We are disappointed that the government has not taken any steps to stem the continuing layoffs and job cuts in Northern Ontario” Mitchell stated.

Talks are moving slowly, says Mitchell.

"It's going to take a while because there is more information the company has to give to us in regards to what's the future of the ONTC and how the transition is going. They haven't provided this to us.

"Morale is poor," Mitchell continued. " We continue to see work die down in the shops.

“While the Wynne government claims to support ONTC, this casts further doubt on that.  Ontario Premier Wynne’s Mandate Letter to Minister Northern Development and Mines in September 2014 called for a balanced approach to transforming the ONTC by ensuring sustainable employment, continued economic growth and a strong transportation network in Northern Ontario. What we are seeing is station closures, service reductions and continuing layoffs and job cuts," he explained.

In September 2014, Ontario Northland announced the layoff of 11 shop painters.  Recently, the ONTC advised that 8 clerical positions would be abolished as a result of the Ontario government’s decisions to sell Ontera.

“Every job lost at Ontario Northland, even on a temporary basis, affects a whole community. This is discouraging for our members and further complicates our efforts to bargain a new collective agreement,” concluded Mitchell

Unifor Local 103 members work in clerical, on-board service, stores, shops and Cochrane Station Inn at various locations across Northern Ontario.
 


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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