ONTC and Unifor negotiators got back to the bargaining table this week, but talks have been suspended.
Ontario Northland says it initiated negotiations this week in an effort to reach an agreement with Unifor Local 103 and return employees to work.
"Yesterday talks ended as the parties remain apart on certain issues; however, the company remains available to continue discussions", says a news release from Rebecca McGlynn, Director of Marketing and Communications.
“There was significant progress over the past few days and good discussion around key issues took place,” said Corina Moore, President and CEO. “Over the past year we have made every effort to work with Unifor to shape a positive future for the company and our employees. We will continue to reach out to the union to conclude negotiations and we remain committed to reaching an agreement.”
But local Unifor president Andy Mitchell sees it a bit differently.
"We were down in Toronto going from seven in the morning till two in the morning for four days straight. We did some good work but we couldn't finish up. Everybody was exhausted, tired and out of socks and underwear, so we said let's take a bit of a break and we'll give you a call back on Sunday or Monday.
"They may have a different view, but that's what we said to them. We've been going day and night. How many times can you turn your shirt inside out?"
Mitchell says he wants talks to resume.
"We haven't received a notification yet," McGlynn told BayToday," but we are hopeful that negotiations will continue."
"We're optimistic an agreement can be reached," said Moore.
Unifor represents 303 unionized employees working in clerical, on-board service, stores, and shops at various locations throughout northern Ontario.
