TORONTO, May 15, 2024
/CNW/ - The PC government's hurried passage of gas sector
legislation will result in a failure to properly contain methane
leaks, an increase to operational costs, and greater contracting
out of union jobs, says Unifor.
"The failure to improve the government's legislation with
amendments proposed by the people who work in the sector every day
is a missed opportunity to tackle preventable methane emissions,"
said Lana Payne, Unifor National
President. "Ontarians are left with legislation that doesn't work
for energy workers, for consumers and for tackling climate
change."
Unifor backed amendments proposed by Ontario NDP MPP Peter
Tabuns, which would have addressed contracting out, methane leaks,
and operational costs.
During testimonies to the Standing Committee on the Interior,
Unifor representatives outlined in detail how the amendments would
improve the bill for consumers and workers. They emphasized
enhanced oversight by the Ontario Energy Board and the need to curb
the industry trend of contracting out essential maintenance
work.
"Contracting out has diluted the expertise of our gas utilities'
workforce, compromising safety and reliability. By blocking our
amendments, the PC government has left our fears about reduced
safety and reliability of regulated gas services in Ontario unaddressed," said Samia Hashi, Unifor
Ontario Regional Director.
In response to the legislation's passage, Unifor is calling on
the government to reevaluate its approach and consider the
long-term implications of its current policies on Ontario's families and workers. The union is
urging a reopening of dialogue to reassess how these laws impact
not only the environment but also the economic stability of the
province's energy sector.
Unifor is Canada's largest
union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every
major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working
people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in
Canada and abroad, and strives to
create progressive change for a better future.
SOURCE Unifor