The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 772, representing 28 engineers who operate and maintain the University of Ottawa Power Plant, went on strike at 12:01 a.m. Friday August 30. These workers ensure the consistent and safe operation of the University Power Plant, providing vital energy to the campus community, including during emergencies.
The IUOE said that negotiations have stalled over Central Administration’s refusal to fairly increase these workers’ salaries following the impacts of the now-overturned Bill 124, Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act, 2019. Members of IUOE Local 772 continue to experience the financial constraints leftover from Bill 124 and the union has clearly stated that it cannot accept anything less than fair market adjustments to their salaries.
The APUO stands in solidarity with our fellow campus workers. In the unlikely event that you are asked to take on any IUOE Local 772 tasks during their strike, we urge APUO members to exercise their right of refusal. We also encourage you to pass on any work requests usually undertaken by the engineers to your Dean’s Office, and to the President’s and Provost and Vice-President Academic Affairs’ Offices.
The IUOE Local 772 has asked for support in the form of calls or emails to members of the Central Administration demanding they offer a fair market increase:
- Jacques Beauvais – Provost and Vice-President Academic Affairs, provost@uottawa.ca, 613-562-5737
- Claudette Commanda – Chancellor, chancellor@uottawa.ca
- Jennifer Doyle – VP Finance and Administration, vpfa@uottawa.ca, 613-562-5822
- Kristie Faasen – Director, Labour and Employee Relations, kfaasen@uottawa.ca, 343-961-1082
- Jacques Fremont – President and Vice-Chancellor, jfremont@uottawa.ca, 613-562-5809
- Mathieu Hudon – Senior Lead Advisor, Labour Relations, mathieu.hudon@uottawa.ca, 613-562-5800 (2438)
- Jacques Nadeau – Senior Director, Operations, jacques.nadeau@uottawa.ca, 613- 862-1053
We will continue to keep you informed of developments and the support that can be provided to our IUOE Local 772 colleagues.