CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Members of UA Local 721 Plumbers, Pipefitters and Welders union hit the picket lines on Monday after they were not able to negotiate a new contract with their employers.
“It’s wages and it’s benefits. It’s just things that we should have. We’re the lowest paid union in the Maritimes, in Canada. We just want to catch up to the rest of them,” said Nathan Dougan, a spokesman for the union.
Dougan was one of about 10 other union members picketing outside one of the job sites – the new Hampton Inn and Suites on Capital Drive in Charlottetown.
The union has more than 130 members who were on strike at various jobs sites across the province.
“These people have families, they’ve got bills, they’ve got mortgages. We’re not getting any money standing here,” he said.
Dougan said the union’s contract with employers expired on Feb. 28. The union decided to go on strike after a vote last week.
“Negotiations fell through, and so we’re on strike until things can get back on track,” he said.
“We gave contractors 48-hours-notice that we were going on strike.”
Dougan said the workers were willing to be on strike “as long as it takes”.
Dougan thanked motorists for their support as well as other trades that didn’t cross picket lines.
Sam Sanderson, general manager of the Construction Association of Prince Edward Island, said the association’s membership has both unionized and non-unionized companies.
“We are non-partisan and wish all the parties well in negotiations and wish everyone a speedy return to work,” he said.
Dougan said union’s contract with employers expired on Feb. 28. The union decided to go on strike after a vote last week.
“Negotiations fell through, and so, we’re on strike until things can get back on track,” he said.
“We gave contractors 48-hours notice that we were going on strike.”
Dougan said the workers were willing to be on strike “as long as it takes”.
Dougan thanked motorists for their support as well as other trades that didn’t cross picket lines.
