Divisional Court victory for part-time college support workers

TORONTO, Dec. 9, 2016 /CNW/ - In a rebuke of the College Employer Council (CEC)'s delay tactics, the Divisional Court today dismissed the CEC's application to overturn the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB)'s decision to hold a vote for part-time college workers in June.

The CEC had asked the Court to set aside the ballots cast in June and order a new vote, an application that the Court denied.

"We're glad to see the Court support the right of the OLRB to make that decision," said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. "It's just a shame that these workers have had to wait six months already. And despite today's ruling, these workers still face further delays, as the employer continues to throw up roadblocks in the way of getting their votes counted.

"For today, however, we're just glad to see the Court recognize the right of the folks at the OLRB to do their job."

The application by the CEC last summer for a judicial review is just one of several attempts by the employer to delay or derail the OLRB process.

Marilou Martin, chair of the union's college support workers division, celebrated the decision as one step closer to representation for part-time workers at Ontario's public colleges.

"These workers aren't asking for a lot," said Martin. "They just want decent working conditions, the right to take a day off when they're sick, to get paid equally for doing equal work, and to be allowed to bargain together to get a fair deal from their employer.

"This isn't the end of the struggle, but it's one step closer to getting these workers what they deserve."

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Image with caption: "Marilou Martin, chair of OPSEU's college support workers division, with the lawyers following the Divisional Court decision. (CNW Group/Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161209_C3154_PHOTO_EN_835810.jpg

Warren (Smokey) Thomas, 613-329-1931