In Sudbury on Wednesday, the Canadian Union of Public Workers held a rally on the sidewalk near Science North.
CUPE is working to unionize employees at the science centre, which many people know as ‘Bluecoats,’ although CUPE said the union wants to represent all employees at the popular tourist attraction.
The heavy downpour didn’t stop the rally in support of efforts to unionize about 200 employees at Science North, which is owned by the Government of Ontario.
“You know the conditions are pretty precarious, especially given the restructuring,” said Max Lafontaine, CUPE Local 4705 president.
“We want to show workers that, you know, when you join a union, you are not going to have to go one-on-one with your boss. You know that the union as a collective you folks can go and bargain better wages, better working conditions.”
“We imagined right what could make our workplace look better and how could we achieve that?” said Lilith Wall, organizing committee spokesperson.
“Unions create better working conditions.”
Officials at Science North had this to say in a statement:
“Science North is aware of discussions among some staff regarding potential union organizing. As an organization, we are committed to open communication, collaboration, and a supportive workplace culture. We fully respect the right of our employees to explore unionization, as protected under the Ontario Labour Relations Act.”
CUPE officials said some employees have already signed union cards online. If a majority is reached, an application for a union certification vote will be filed with the Labour Board.
