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.
‘Our question is simple for the Minister, why is Department of National Defence paying for scab labour?’ said Marianne Hladun, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President for the Prairies. ‘We understand Sodexo brought in replacement workers on May 12 and May 13, while actively working to replace our hardworking members.’
Sodexo operates through a subcontracting arrangement with Canadian Aviation Electronics (CAE), originally contracted by DND. While the federal government has publicly committed to and passed anti-scab legislation, this situation exposes a clear loophole; contracting out lacks proper oversight and undermines both workers and the Canadian public.
‘This government cannot claim to stand with workers while allowing this to happen under its watch,’ said June Winger, National President of UNDE. ‘If Sodexo refuses to negotiate a fair deal, it is time the federal government step in and finally authorize returning this unit to the federal public service.’
Workers are calling on Minister McGuinty to address this situation and take immediate steps to ensure fair treatment and accountability. The union continues to call on Sodexo to return to the bargaining table with a fair offer and on the federal government to ensure its actions match its commitments to workers.
The union is encouraging members of the public and labour allies to support workers on the picket line by visiting the site outside the base at 15 Wing, strike time and locations can be found here – https://bit.ly/Strike40807 and by sending a letter to decision makers here – https://bit.ly/40807Letter