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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Hydro being sued for forcing workers to join trade union

By: Bruce Owen

Posted: 06/28/2012 1:00 AM

FIVE construction workers are taking Manitoba Hydro to court for forcing them to join a union as a prerequisite of being hired -- a move they claim strips them of their rights.

The 34-page statement of claim was filed Wednesday in Court of Queen's Bench by workers Barry Millen, Terri Fordham, Rick Lesiuk, Floyd Stoneham, Michel Paul Pilotte and Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba.

Harvey Miller, executive director of Merit Contractors, said the lawsuit is a result of Hydro's decision to prevent employees from working on large-scale projects like the new Bipole III transmission line unless they join a designated trade union.

"It's clearly a breach of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms," Miller said. "This is about workers' rights and their right to earn a living in Manitoba and not being forced to join a union as a condition of employment."

Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba represents about 4,600 workers and over 200 Manitoba companies.

Hydro spokesman Glenn Schneider said project labour agreements protect Hydro, in that they outlaw work stoppages or strikes. That allows Hydro to meet its construction deadlines.

-- Bruce Owen

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 28, 2012 A14