‘Mixed feelings’: IBEW rep on union accepting Hydro Ottawa’s offer

After 83 days on strike, Hydro Ottawa workers are headed back to work.

Last night @hydroottawa workers voted to accept an offer. It was hard fought and it was long, but our members are more united as a workforce than ever before.

They are grateful for your #solidarity and look forward to getting back to work and powering Ottawa safely.#ottnews pic.twitter.com/HfTXjRdSbE

— IBEW Local 636 (@IBEWLocal636) September 19, 2023

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 636, the union representing Hydro Ottawa workers, accepted the latest offer from their employer on Monday, Sept. 18

IBEW representative Mike Hall tells The Sam Laprade Show on CityNews Ottawa that only 57 per of members voted to accept the four-year contract, and as a result, he hopes that a third-party mediator can be brought in to help rebuild trust between Hydro Ottawa employees and their employer, as 43 per cent of members voted to not accept the latest offer.

“If people weren’t hurting and worried about paying the bills, the result would have been much different,” said Hall regarding the final vote count. “This relationship between both sides is going to take a lot of work. there’s going to be a lot of marriage counselling going on here.”

In June, over 300 members of the IBEW 636 walked off the job, calling for better wages and improved working conditions.

Hydro Ottawa employees return to work on Wednesday, Sept. 20.

“Talks between Hydro Ottawa and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 636 resumed this week with non-binding mediation, resulting in both parties signing a Memorandum of Settlement on Sept. 14, which is subject to ratification by both parties,” said Hydro Ottawa in a statement to CityNews Ottawa. “The Memorandum of Settlement provides employees with a generous increase in wages, as well as increases to benefits, premiums and allowances. Specific terms will not be disclosed until the agreement is fully ratified.”