Today, Minister McGuinty is set to visit 15 Wing Moose Jaw to make an announcement.  The visit comes at a critical time for the workers of PSAC/UNDE 40807 who have been on a rotating strike since May 12 and are looking for answers from the Minister regarding the treatment of workers from Sodexo, including an illegal lockout on May 13.

Workers with PSAC/UNDE Local 40807 were locked out this morning without required notice.  As workers arrived for their scheduled shifts, they were turned away by Sodexo. Under labour legislation, employers must provide 48 hours’ notice before initiating a lockout. Sodexo failed to meet that requirement.  ‘These actions show a disregard for workers and their rights,’ said Marianne Hladun, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President for the Prairies. ‘Our members deserve a fair contract, decent wages and benefits, and respect throughout this process.'

Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) Prairies working for Sodexo, represented by Union of National Defence Employees (UNDE) Local 40807, are on strike at 15 Wing Moose Jaw following failed negotiations with the employer.  PSAC Prairies has been engaged in contract negotiations over the past year on behalf of 35 Sodexo employees at the base, including cooks, general help and maintenance staff.  After failed conciliation and the employer’s refusal to offer fair wages and benefits, workers have taken to the picket line.