The Independent

Ten unionized custodians are out of work after the Federal Bridge Corporation replaced them with an independent contractor.

Officials with the Public Service Alliance Canada – PSAC – say the employees, some with 20 years of service were let go June 15 and given just 10 minutes to leave the building. The union local President Matt Delaroche called the move “disgusting” and “ruthless” in a news release.

PSAC Ontario is asking local political leaders including the MP, MPP and local mayors to intervene in the situation.

Craig Reynolds, PSAC Ontario’s regional vice president, says the employees lost their jobs due to contracting out and without consultation of the union. “That should concern every worker who depends on secure employment,” Reynolds said in a news release.

The Federal Bridge Corporation tells The Independent in an email that “This operational realignment ensures we maintain the highest standards of reliable, continuous service delivery at this critical border crossing, while managing public resources responsibly.”

“Every directly impacted employee chose to accept an enhanced, voluntary separation package…(which) paid out their notice and severance in full,” said Alexandre Gauthier, the corporations communications manager.

While Gauthier wouldn’t say how much money the corporation will save with the move.

The corporation says the move won’t compromise security at the bridge. “Any external service provider contracted by FBCL is contractually required to maintain professional industry standards, carry comprehensive liability insurance, and meet the exact same strict federal security clearance requirements as our internal staff. There is no compromise on security,” Gauthier said in an email.