NEWS RELEASE
UNIFOR LOCAL 103
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On the 82nd anniversary of the last spike being driven to complete the ONR rail line to Moosonee, Unifor Local 103 representing 350 unionized employees have sent letters to the Wynne Government requesting to open negotiations, to renew 5 Unifor collective agreements with the Provincial Crown Agency.
“It is significant that on the anniversary date of the last spike being driven in 1932, that we are signaling our desire to begin the negotiation process. The timing is right for the Ontario government to engage us in all discussions regarding the transformation and rejuvenation of the ONTC,” said Unifor Local 103 President Brian Kelly.
“The Wynne Government has committed to the employees, customers and communities that it would work with Unifor, ONTC, Metrolinx and the Ministry of Transportation to explore a strategic alliance that would provide badly needed long term opportunities and stability to Ontario Northland. We intend to hold them to that commitment,” continued Kelly.
“Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle has said that the Wynne Government is open to exploring all viable options including a role for the ONTC on developing the Ring of Fire mineral deposit. North Bay Mayor Al McDonald and member of the Minister’s Advisory Committee (MAC) succinctly put it last week that “the North needs a long term approach; a strategic alliance with Metrolinx; a clear direction in regards to the ONTC’s role in the Ring of Fire, and concrete plans for investment in the organization.” That is what the upcoming negotiations will be about,” added Kelly.
“We’ve written President of Treasury Board Deb Matthews who is responsible for overseeing labour relations with the broader public sector, which includes Ontario Northland. We wish to discuss her role in the upcoming negotiations and the need for her government to implement its commitments in regards to Ontario Northland,” concluded Kelly.
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