Ontario Inspector Strike Continues

Stories of elevator disruptions and shutdowns are on the rise across Ontario as 170 safety inspectors represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO) went on strike on July 21. According to a press release by OPSEU/SEFPO on August 24, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) walked away from the table last month and the inspectors want them to return to negotiate a fair first contract so they can return to work. “Last Thursday, we sent the TSSA a reasonable offer that addresses many of the concerns,” said OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick. “Now it is many days later and the inspectors who care about our communities and public safety still have heard no response from the employer about coming back to the table.” Safety inspectors are responsible for inspections of over 60,000 elevating devices across Ontario, including, but not limited to, elevators in apartment buildings and condos, elevators and escalators in malls and offices, construction site hoists, transit and transit station equipment and that at colleges and universities. Safety inspectors inspect everything from amusement park rides and food trucks to fuel-burning equipment, boilers and pressure vessels, and elements in nuclear power plants. TSSA safety inspectors also provide invaluable support to police and fire services.