/R E P E A T -- MEDIA ADVISORY- OPSEU/SEFPO leadership to join striking TSSA safety inspectors for rally at Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery/

TORONTO, Aug. 3, 2022 /CNW/ - OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick and First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell will join striking safety inspectors from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) for a rally outside the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery on August 4.

The 170 safety inspectors, members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 546, have been on strike since July 21 after the TSSA walked away from the bargaining table. The union's bargaining team remains committed to reaching a deal, but there has been no word from the TSSA since talks broke down, despite several incidents of concern to public safety transpiring since then.

"Clearly the TSSA isn't prioritizing public safety by forcing safety inspectors out on strike at the height of fair and exhibition season," said Hornick. "The CNE is about to start setting up, and our inspectors should be there inspecting rides and food trucks to make sure it's safe for the thousands of expected visitors, families and kids - not forced out on the picket line instead."

"1.4 million visitors come to the CNE each year," said Nancekivell. "It's unconscionable that the TSSA would force safety inspectors out on strike when their work is so critical to so many businesses and to public safety in this province."

What:	Rally at the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery
Date:	Thursday, August 4, 2022
Time:	10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location:	777 Bay St., Toronto (Bay St. and College)

The province-wide workers inspect everything from amusement park rides, food trucks, construction hoists and elevators to fuel-burning equipment, gas lines, boilers and pressure vessels and elements in nuclear power plants. They also work with police and fire services to inspect accidents and incidents and attend court as expert witnesses when needed.

TSSA safety inspectors unionized in 2021 to resolve a host of inequities and mismanagement in their workplace and have been bargaining for their first contract since November 2021. They will be calling on Minister Kaleed Rasheed, the Minister responsible for oversight of the TSSA, to intervene and get the TSSA to bargain fairly towards an agreement.

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO)

Michelle Langlois, 647-225-6597, [email protected]