TSSA Safety Inspector Strike Ends

Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Local 546 safety inspectors, working for Canada’s Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), have ratified their first Collective Agreement, ending their 11-week strike on October 8, the union announced. The 170 safety inspectors, who work across Ontario, protect public safety by inspecting everything in Ontario from boilers and pressure vessels in schools and hospitals, to elevators in all residential and commercial buildings, propane dispensing facilities, gas stations and more. The strike began on July 21 after eight months of failed first contract bargaining talks, and was officially ended following a successful ratification vote by the members of OPSEU Local 546. By voting to accept their new Collective Agreement, these members will now have access to grievance processes they can rely on, giving them more support and a stronger voice in their workplace. More competitive wages will help improve recruitment and retention. The safety inspectors unionized in early 2021.