110 days in, Windsor Salt strike takes toll on workers
It's been 110 days since Windsor Salt workers went on strike on Feb. 17.
The impasse is taking a toll on the 250 workers who make $300 a week in strike pay.
“The longer a dispute goes the greater the benefits of the eventual deal have to be for both parties because you've lost so much,” said Rafael Gomez, director of the Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources at the University of Toronto.
Some are using side gigs to make ends meet.
“Luckily some of us have that,” said John O’Keefe. “Some of us don't. Those guys that don't, unfortunately, are feeling a lot more but we’re sticking together. We’re not going anywhere.”
Bill Wark, president of Unifor Local 1959, says that face to face negotiations have not occurred since an alleged attack on an employee in April which has slowed the process.
“You do a lot of repetitive work over and over again and you can't clearly identify objects and issues that are the parties' priorities,” said Wark.
Windsor police say no one has been arrested and the investigation is continuing. The company says they are working with both police and private investigators to find the assailants.
In order to get both sides back to the bargaining table face to face, a meeting has been set up between union reps and Minister of Labour Monte McNaughton.
In the meantime, Gomez has some recommendations.
“You throw out the things you don't agree on. Put them aside. Focus on what you can agree on as a problem. Solve that first and that builds up trust and confidence,” he said.
Gomez also suggests bringing in a third party to sit at the table.
“When you have the no-exit option you're forced to eventually come up with the deal so that's what I'm hopeful happens here,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.