Ontario’s energy workers, represented by Unifor, have expressed serious concerns about the recently passed Bill 165, which they argue fails to adequately address methane leaks, increases operational costs, and leads to more union jobs being outsourced.
“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,” stated 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 supported amendments proposed by Ontario NDP MPP Peter Tabuns, which aimed to address issues related to contracting out, methane leaks, and operational costs. During testimonies to the Standing Committee on the Interior, Unifor representatives highlighted how these amendments could enhance oversight by the Ontario Energy Board and mitigate the trend of outsourcing 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 light of the bill’s passage, Unifor is urging the government to reevaluate its approach and consider the long-term implications of its current policies on Ontario’s families and workers. The union calls for renewed dialogue to reassess the impact of these laws on the environment and the economic stability of the province’s energy sector.
Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, represents 315,000 workers across various industries. The union advocates for workers’ rights, equality, and social justice, aiming to drive progressive change for a better future.