On February 7, 2022, 40 members of USW Local 9211-14 rallied in the streets of Alexandria, Ontario, to demonstrate their frustration and disappointment with the concessions tabled by their employer, The Palace Alexandria, a Long-Term Care (LTC) Facility and Retirement Home, in their latest round of bargaining.
Although Local 9211-14 members are essential workers and unable to strike under provincial labour legislation, they wanted to send a clear message to their employer and a provincial board of arbitration which is meeting to decide the outcome of their collective agreement. Members demonstrated their dissatisfaction and made it known that if striking were a legal possibility, they would be willing to withhold their labour. Local media covered the solidarity rally and helped raise community awareness of the workers’ struggle. (Read the article: Employees at Alexandria facility picket for a better deal).
The demonstration by Local 9211-14 comes on the heels of similar action taken by members of Local 6946 on October 29, 2021, when they held a Community Awareness Event on the main street of Barry’s Bay, Ontario, to demand that their employer, Valley Manor Inc., another LTC facility, meaningfully engage in the bargaining process. Members were rewarded by a dramatic positive shift in the attitude of the employer for the next round of bargaining. Local media also provided positive coverage of the workers’ action.
While the outcome of both collective agreements remains outstanding, the solidarity and strength of the membership has not gone unnoticed by the employers. It is hoped these events will mark a new chapter in labour relations between the parties moving forward.
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