Safety a sticking point for Unifor in talks with Brinks

Strike and lockout date set for October 1

Unifor Local 4266 — representing 130 Brinks Canada workers in Ottawa — has a 99 per cent strike mandate as it enters mediation with the employer.

According to the union, the safety of armoured car crews tops the agenda as contract talks with Brinks reach a critical juncture.

“Safety for armoured car guards and drivers is a priority because they have so many violent attacks. It is what our members are demanding,” said Andrew Desjardins, president of Unifor Local 4266. “When armoured car guards and drivers are safe that also means improved public safety.”

Talks between Unifor Local 4266 and Brinks will head to mediation on September 29 and 30, with a strike or lockout date of October 1.

A letter from the company, included with the last contract negotiated three years ago, committed to refrain from the use of “all-off crews” during the life of the agreement. In all-off crews, no guard is left in the armoured car while money is being delivered or picked up.

According to the union, Brinks has refused to renew the letter in the new contract.

“All-off crews are less safe. They get robbed more,” Desjardins said. “If the company is not planning to use all-off crews, it should be willing to put that in writing.”

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