Nearly 50 employees at the Blue Water Bridge are on strike as of Monday morning.
The Federal Bridge Corporation issued public notice Sunday that efforts to reach a negotiated agreement that started in March of this year, have failed and the union had served 72-hour strike notice.
The maintenance personnel, toll collectors, and currency exchangers have been without a contract since November of 2014 and are represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada Local 501.
Corporation spokesman Andre Girard says the Blue Water Bridge will remain open and the traffic flow will be maintained throughout the labour disruption. "Contingency plans are in place to deal with an eventuality to maintain traffic flow as long as the situation remains unresolved," says Girard.
"Management and non-unionized staff have obtained certification in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System as well as training for toll operation and other related bridge operation duties such as building maintenance and services to tenants of the Blue Water Bridge Corporate Centre on Venetian Blvd."
Girard says throughout the labour disruption, no teller service will be available at the bridge's Currency Exchange Office but ATMs will be available 24/7.
The corporation disputes union claims that it's seeking major concessions. In response to comments made at a union rally at the bridge Friday, Girard said the corporation is not seeking changes to benefits, maternal/parental leave, overtime, scheduling policies or pensions. He says the corporation maintains its current offer is a very generous comprehensive package including a general wage increase, increased shift premiums and additional leave benefits.
PSAC Local 501 President Paul Haney said Friday that the corporation is trying to gut their collective agreement by removing certain benefits and changing pension eligibility requirements. He also said the corporation wants to implement a discipline policy that "is totally unfair and unacceptable to our members."
The strike action comes just ahead of the American Thanksgiving and the Black Friday shopping spree in the U.S.