Hydro Ottawa, union members returning to bargaining table as strike enters third week
Posted Jul 17, 2023 10:35:41 AM.
Last Updated Jul 17, 2023 10:36:48 AM.
Hydro Ottawa and the union representing its workers are set to return to the bargaining table on Monday.
Members of the union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 636 started striking on June 28 after their contract expired in March.
Tomorrow @hydroottawa is coming back to the table.Hydro Ottawa head urges sides to continue talks privately amid union strike
We’re expecting to discuss unresolved employee safety concerns, workplace toxicity and getting a fair contract for @IBEWLocal636 hydro workers.
We need to get this done before another storm.#safetyisserious #19DaysNoIncome pic.twitter.com/wJ52skRQQP
— IBEW Local 636 (@IBEWLocal636) July 16, 2023
The union, made up of 390 union workers, is calling for better wages, health benefits as well as workplace safety.
Mike Hall, a business representative with Local 636 IBEW, told CityNews Ottawa on Friday, July 7, that talks between the union and Hydro Ottawa had stalled.
On May 25, Hydro Ottawa said they provided the union with a final offer, adding that their latest offer addresses their employees’ request for wage increases as well as increases in benefits, premiums and allowances.
Hydro Ottawa then provided a revised offer to the union on June 22, and the offer was presented by the IBEW to employees but it was followed by a ratification strike vote on June 27 prompting strike action for hundreds of union workers.
