Direct Energy workers walk off the job

Over 500 Ontario appliance installers and servicers on strike

Direct Energy employees who install and service air conditioners and natural-gas fired appliances walked off the job at midnight on April 17 after talks broke down.

UPDATE: Direct Energy reaches tentative deal with Ontario workers

According to the union, Local 975 of the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers, Direct Energy is demanding concessions, including 25 per cent wage reductions, reduced benefits, and an end to shift and weekend premiums.

The company has confirmed in a press release that it will “continue serving customers as usual.”

Late in March, Local 975 posted an open “letter to customers” that linked the company’s bargaining position to a recent and deeply unpopular attempt to impose new conditions for water-heater rentals.

The last collective agreement expired on March 31, 2011 and the union has had a strike mandate since March 30, 2012.

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