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.’
Workers began rotating strike action on May 12 after serving strike notice. As is standard practice, the union is not required to disclose in advance when members will be on the line during a rotating strike. Sodexo has continued to spread misinformation by suggesting workers are ‘essential.’ In any labour dispute, employers are required to formally identify essential positions. In this case, the employer waived that option.
‘”No worker wants to be on the picket line,” said June Winger, National President of the Union of National Defence Employees who represents local 40807. “But when a multinational corporation like Sodexo has the audacity to offer a 18 cent raise to workers who are barely making ends meet, they simply do not have a choice.”
The union is calling on Sodexo to comply with the law, end the lockout, and return to the bargaining table with a fair offer.
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