August 11th, 2022

Ford must help Safety Inspectors get fair contract

QUEEN’S PARK – During question period Thursday, NDP Labour Critic Jamie West (Sudbury) called Doug Ford to prioritize public health and safety, and demand that the TSSA, the agency responsible for administering and enforcing the Technical Standards and Safety Act, return to the bargaining table with the province’s safety inspectors. He released the following statement:

“TSSA safety inspectors of OPSEU Local 546 provide an invaluable service to our province and to public safety. They inspect every propane dispensing station, amusement park ride and food truck. They inspect hospitals and construction sites – they even inspect nuclear power plants. These workers are essential and they keep our families safe.

OPSEU Local 546 workers and have been trying to bargain their first collective agreement since February 2021. After 17 months of delays and stall tactics, they made the decision to go on strike in July. Since starting their strike just 3 weeks ago, there have already been several concerning safety incidents. These include a fire at Canada’s Wonderland, a propane explosion in Sault Ste. Marie, and just this past weekend, three children were thrown from a ride due to malfunction at the Campbellford Fair.

With the CNE set to open next week, and agricultural fairs and exhibitions happening across this province, it’s critical that these workers get a fair deal so they can return to work. Ford must ensure that the TSSA returns to the bargaining table and negotiates a fair first contract. These workers deserve a fair contract and they want to get back to work keeping our families and children safe.”