Provincial engineers allege Ontario government unlawfully locking them out

Ontario government engineers who are participating in rotating strikes amid contract negotiations are alleging the province is now unlawfully locking them out and interfering with their right to strike.

Members of the Professional Engineers Government of Ontario, which represents more than 600 professional engineers and land surveyors who work for the province, have filed a complaint with the Ontario Labour Relations Board.

They say that they have been in a legal strike position since Oct. 8 and late last month started rotating strikes, withdrawing services from key Ontario infrastructure projects Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass.

Now, they say the government has told all PEGO members that if they withdraw their services, they won’t be allowed to return to work “until further notice by the employer.”

The engineers allege in their labour board complaint that this amounts to an indefinite suspension and unlawful lockout, meant to deter strikes through “discipline, threats and coercion.”

Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney said in question period today that engineers have been “reminded of the relevant terms and conditions of their employment.”

“The government respects PEGO’s rights and remains committed to reaching a fair and reasonable deal at the table,” she said.

By Allison Jones