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OHSC/PWU Agreement Ratified by 88 Per cent of Union Membership

Members of the Power Worker’s Union (PWU) voted today to accept the one-year agreement between Ontario Hydro Services Company Inc. (OHSC) and the PWU by 88 per cent. The settlement affects 4,000 PWU members at OHSC in trades and support functions.

Both parties credit the "mutual interests" approach used in bargaining as a major contributing factor to reaching an agreement without the involvement of external parties and without the assistance of a mediator/arbitrator. Don MacKinnon, PWU Vice President who led the union negotiating team PWU said, "this approach, based on developing joint solutions to outstanding issues, is proving to be very effective in dealing with major changes in the electricity industry."

The contract, which begins April 1, provides a 3% wage increase, employment security for the contract term and other health and pension plan improvements. It also provides increased flexibility for scheduling hours of work, reduced administration and a more efficient process staff redeployment.

"The approach both sides took to bargaining demonstrates the good relationship we have with the PWU," explained Eleanor Clitheroe, OHSC President and CEO. "The agreement helps us in our progress toward our shared goal of becoming one of North America’s most successful energy companies."

John Murphy, PWU President added his praise for the settlement. "The stage is set for a continued productive relationship with OHSC that will benefit the customer, the company and the employees," he said.

OHSC is a holding company with interests in electricity transmission and distribution, telecom and energy services.

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For more information, contact:
OHSC Media Relations at 1-877-506-7584,
Power Workers Union at 416-481-4491