Ironworkers across the province have reached a tentative agreement with the Ontario Erectors Association, avoiding a looming strike.
Ironworkers from six locals of the Iron Workers’ District Council voted 96 per cent in favour of a strike on July 22, 2019. Before a tentative agreement was reached, workers were set to walk off their jobs this coming Monday, Aug. 19.
The negotiating committee met in Toronto over the past few days before reaching a tentative agreement Thursday evening.
In lieu of that, all members are being told to report to work on Monday, according to a membership letter from the president and business agent Luiz Barros, and Fred MacPherson, the business manager of Ironworkers Local 721 in Toronto.
It's a relief for construction managers in the region.
A strike would have stalled upper-deck framing work atop the Walker Power building on Devonshire Road, putting the project timeline in jeopardy.
"Definitely relieved," says building owner Piero Aleo. "We were planning to work all weekend, but since the strike is not happening, we're going to be working next week as usual."
Iron Workers in Windsor-Essex, London and Sarnia are represented by local 700, which confirmed the tentative agreement to CTV Windsor Friday morning.
There will be a letter sent to all members regarding the date for a ratification meeting, where details of the memorandum of agreement will be presented.
