THUNDER BAY — The United Food and Commercial Workers union has suffered a narrow defeat in its drive to represent employees of the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society.
Society president Jack Remus's reaction was straightforward. "We won," he told Tbnewswatch on Wednesday.
A union representative indicated last month that the potential size of the bargaining unit was 10 people.
According to Remus, four workers voted in favour of being represented by the UFCW in collective bargaining, and four others voted against.
"It was a 4-4 tie, which really means that it will not be unionized, and so a lot of our people are very happy with that," Remus said, adding "We can move on."
Under Ontario law, certification of a union requires that a majority of eligible workers cast ballots in support.
UFCW spokesperson Tim Deelstra called the outcome disappointing.
However, in a statement Wednesday evening to Tbnewswatch, Deelstra went on to say that "the Union believes that the employer has made positive changes in the workplace as a result of the workers desire to form a union."
The representation vote at the TBDHS came in the midst of allegations of health and safety issues.
A former manager recently filed a complaint with the Ontario Labour Relations Board, alleging that her dismissal in May was a reprisal for bringing numerous concerns before the society's board.
Remus released a statement in June denying that the organization has fallen short of its health and safety obligations.
