Approximately 15,000 construction workers have quit their jobs, potentially affecting the delivery of housing projects in the Toronto area.
Many negotiating bodies within LiUNA Local 183 have rejected proposals for contracts and have chosen to start strikes today.
The union says those involved in the action include house builders, tile fitters, carpet and hardwood fitters and high-form workers.
“Currently, all multi-storey buildings in GTA are completely closed. The low-rise sites are also badly affected by the ongoing framing strike, “LiUNA Local 183 spokesman Jason Otti told CP24 on Monday afternoon. “Our members want to return to work, but they need a fair offer from management to do so, and what they have offered is far from it.”
Otti said there are currently six different sectors on strike.
He said the main points of contention at the bargaining table varied by sector, but were “in principle” related to compensation and rising living costs.
“Because there are so many sectors we represent, it’s hard to tell exactly what the difference is, but it’s definitely a matter of money,” he said. “Unlike the technology and financial services sector, where there are bonuses offered to employees, our members can only rely on the salaries provided to them through the collective agreement. So it is extremely important that we get a very strong wage package that can provide them with the economic security they need in the long run.
Although the union warned that the strike would significantly affect high-rise construction, it could be seen on Monday morning working at a number of sites in the city center.
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