Goderich, Ont., security workers win first contract

Employees locked out in December: USW

Security guards at ASAP Secured in Goderich, Ont., achieved their first collective agreement on Feb. 12, overcoming challenges that included a lockout imposed by their employer, said the union.

The security guards — who are members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 9597 — voted to ratify a two-year contract that includes wage increases and other improvements to the terms and conditions of their jobs, according to USW.

"After joining the union, these workers stood together for many months to defend their right to collective bargaining and to have union representation in their workplace," said Marty Warren, USW Ontario director.

After being locked out of their jobs last Dec. 10, by ASAP Secured, the workers filed an application with the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) for first-contract mediation.

The OLRB also agreed with the workers' contention that ASAP Secured should have ended its lockout after the mediation process began in early January. The OLRB ordered the company to end the lockout and the workers returned to their jobs on Jan. 19, as the mediation process continued, said the union.

The OLRB also awarded damages to the workers and the company paid employees all lost wages and premiums they would have earned during a two and a half week period in January when they were locked out, according to USW.

The new collective agreement runs from Jan. 1, 2018, to Dec. 31, 2019. It includes pay increases above minimum wage hikes in 2018 and 2019, with the top rate to rise to $15.40 per hour as of Jan. 1 next year. The contract also entrenches seniority rights and monetary payments including a $250 annual boot allowance and reimbursement for the costs of security licences and regular CPR and first aid training, said the union.

The USW, Local 9597 members at ASAP Secured provide security services at the Compass Minerals operations in Goderich.

 

 

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