Workers at Hydro Ottawa could be on strike by the end of June 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Members of Local 636 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
at Hydro Ottawa are prepared to take strike action on June 26, 2023 at
12:01am should the company fail to return to the bargaining table and
negotiate a fair settlement.

On May 25, 2023 Hydro Ottawa issued a final offer which was rejected by
81% of the membership. The members also gave the Union authorization to
take strike action if need be.

Our members have been working hard to ensure the success of Hydro Ottawa
and they deserve to be valued fairly for their efforts. Unfortunately, despite
our best effort to negotiate in good faith, the company has not offered a fair
settlement that reflects the value of our members’ work and ensures a safe
work environment.

The current Collective Agreement between the Union and the Company
expired on March 31, 2023 and negotiations for its renewal have been ongoing
for months. After several attempts to reach a mutually agreed upon
settlement, the Company was unwilling to offer a fair deal to address our
many concerns and presented its final offer.

The Company’s refusal to offer a fair settlement is a clear indication that they
do not value our members’ contributions to their success. We are left with no
choice but to take action, if need be, to ensure that our members are treated
fairly and their rights are respected.

The Union has informed the company of its intention to strike and will
continue to negotiate in good faith in hope of reaching a fair agreement before
any job action is taken. However, if a fair deal is not reached, the Union is
prepared to take all necessary steps to protect the rights of its members.
To date the Company has refused to return to the bargaining table and we
have urged them to work with us to reach a fair settlement that reflects the
value of our members’ work.

We remain committed to negotiating in good faith but will not hesitate to take
action if necessary to ensure that our members are treated fairly.

IBEW Local 636 represents close to 400 members at Hydro Ottawa and over
3,000 members across the province including members at over 24 Hydro
Utilities and has a long history of advocating for workers’ rights and fair
treatment.