September 22 2022

Toronto (22 Sept. 2022) — Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO/NUPGE) who work at the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) have been negotiating to reach a first collective agreement since November 2021. 

TSSA refuses to negotiate

At every meeting with the TSSA, the workers came up against an employer who stonewalled the negotiation process and showed little to no respect for them and their union. On July 20, the TSSA walked away from the bargaining table, forcing safety inspectors on strike on July 21, 2022.

TSSA inspectors inspect everything from amusement park rides, food trucks and elevators, to fuel burning equipment, propane dispensing stations, boilers and pressure vessels and elements in nuclear power plants. They are experts in their field who care strongly about public safety; the work they do is critical to the safety of Ontarians.

Workers want improved wages, accountability and a voice in the workplace

The priorities in bargaining are

• improved accountability for public safety standards and practices from the TSSA;
• wages and benefits that are consistent with industry standards, to help address understaffing issues and improve retention and recruitment;
• a stronger voice in their workplace as an equal partner at the TSSA.

How you can help

“Forcing these workers on strike as they try to negotiate their first contract just shows they had a good reason to unionize,” said Bert Blundon, President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). “We need the TSSA to hear us loud and clear: Get back to the table now! These workers deserve a fair deal.”

NUPGE has partnered with LabourStart Canada in a campaign to pressure the TSSA back to the table to negotiate a fair deal. You can join by sending a message to Bonnie Rose, CEO of the TSSA, telling her to end this strike. 

Let’s help get these workers their first contract and get back on the job protecting our communities!