Bell ExpressVu lock-out of staff deemed illegal

TORONTO, July 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Bell ExpressVu has illegally locked-out its staff, according to a new ruling from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board. Employees, members of CEP local 79M were given notice of lock-out on July 10 and told they were not to return to work during the 72 hour notice period.

"The Board has acknowledged that employees were sent out on an illegal lock-out", said Mike Kachurowski, CEP National Representative. "Our members are in the process of negotiating a first collective agreement and breaking the rules is not the way to start off a relationship."

Negotiations have been ongoing since April to secure a first collective agreement for the employees. The employees rejected a first offer from Bell ExpressVu with 88% and shortly after received notice of lock-out.

"This kind of tactic is disingenuous and attempts to force employees to accept bad deals" added Kachurowski. "What we need is to get back to the bargaining table and work towards a TV agreement for TV employees".

Mike Kachurowski, CEP National Representative, [phone]
Barb Dolan, Administrative Vice-President, Ontario Region, [phone]