TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2021 /CNW/ - Unifor Locals at Enbridge Gas Inc. have filed an application at the Ontario Labour Relations Board and filed a grievance in order to defend bargaining unit rights after learning that Enbridge Inc. is contracting out union work to a wholly-owned subsidiary.
"We will fight for union rights for all energy workers who have been cheated out of better wages and benefits," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "Enbridge cannot continue to use smoke and mirrors to create a shadow workforce doing the same work under a different name."
Enbridge dodging responsibilities with corporate shell game (CNW Group/Unifor)
Enbridge dodging responsibilities with corporate shell game (CNW Group/Unifor)
Unifor asserts that the purchase of Lakeside Performance Gas Services Ltd by an Enbridge Inc. entity in December 2020 means successorship laws apply. As Enbridge Gas continues to shift work to non-union positions at Lakeside, the union's grievance argues that workers there deserve the same pay and benefits as other Unifor members at Enbridge Gas.
"Contracting out doesn't benefit customers and it doesn't benefit workers. Contracting out only pads the bottom line at Enbridge," said Wayne Beaumont, Unifor Local 758 president, who represents operational field and clerical workers at Enbridge Gas in Windsor.
Unifor is also asking the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to investigate if contracting out to Lakeside helps Enbridge circumvent OEB regulations governing customer rates and profit margins.
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
SOURCE Unifor