THUNDER BAY -- The union representing local striking Bombardier workers will head to southern Ontario later this week to meet with Toronto Transit Commission officials.
Unifor Local 1075 president Dominic Pasqualino said they’ll be meeting with the TTC, the Toronto labour council and other union leaders to seek support and advice on how they can resolve the issues the Thunder Bay workers are facing with the Montreal-based company.
“I’m just going to tell them what’s going on here,” said Pasqualino.
“Our hope is that we can resolve these issues as soon as we can and we’ll do everything we can to do that.”
Monday marked the start of the third week of the strike that has 900 plant employees on the picket line. The main issue of contention is around make concessions on benefit and pension plans proposed by the company.
Despite a still upbeat mood on the picket line, Pasqualino said he has heard some employees have resigned, leaving for employment at the Musselwhite Mine or in Atikokan.
“As the strike continues, more and more people will be leaving and it’s unfortunate for everybody,” he said.
“People are realizing it could be a long strike. They all want it over tomorrow but on the other hand, they’re willing to stay out as long as is necessary,” Pasqualino added.
Bombardier officials will not be at the meeting with the TTC, confirmed company spokeswoman Stephanie Ash.
