Employer may force American Water Services Canada Corporation workers out on
strike

LONDON , ON, Sept. 14 /CNW/ - The union representing the workers of American Water Services Canada Corporation, a subsidiary of American Water Services, based in New Jersey, members of Local 120 of the Ontario Public Services Employees Union (OPSEU) says their members may have no choice but to strike if the employer continues to ignore their bargaining demands.

Carol Warner , negotiator for the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, said it is incomprehensible that American Water Services Canada continues to refuse to treat these employees the same as their privatized counterparts.

On Tuesday, September 8, 2009 , the Conciliator requested a "no board" report from the Ministry of Labour, stating that talks had reached an impasse. This has resulted in a legal strike/lockout date of 12:01 a.m. on September 25, 2009 .

Doug Newstead , bargaining team chair says "We just want to achieve wages, and working conditions, to bring us from the bottom of the pack to the middle of the pack, in comparison to other private contractors in the water industry in Southern Ontario."

The workers of American Water Services Canada Corporation include Maintenance Operators and Skilled Trades employees at the Water Plant located in Grand Bend, Ontario, which supplies water the City of London and communities north of London to Lake Huron.

The parties will meet on September 18 in a last-ditch attempt to reach a settlement.

For further information: Doug Newstead, OPSEU Local 120 Bargaining Team Chair: [phone]; Carol Warner, OPSEU Negotiator: [phone]