A nearly 10-month-long strike at Best Theratronics shows no sign of ending as Unifor accuses the company of bad faith bargaining and delaying negotiations.
More than 50 workers at the Kanata, Ont.-based manufacturer of medical equipment have been on strike since May 1, 2024, after rejecting a contract that included no wage increases for two years. After months of stalled talks, Unifor says the company returned to negotiations on Jan. 28, 29, and Feb. 7, but discussions failed to produce an agreement.
Unifor National President Lana Payne said the employer has disregarded workers’ rights and has not been held accountable. “This company has violated labour laws, showed contempt towards our members, and has not been held accountable for these actions in any way,” Payne said.
The union initially filed an unfair labour practice complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) in June 2024, alleging the company had violated provisions of the Canada Labour Code. The hearing concluded in November, but no decision has been issued.
“It’s been nearly three months without a decision from the labour board, which is absolutely shameful,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. “Had we received a decision in a timely manner, our members might not be on a picket line right now.”
Unifor says a tentative deal appeared to be in place earlier this month, but the company’s owner, Krishnan Suthanthiran, continued to introduce new conditions. The latest sticking point, according to the union, is a company demand for workers to end the strike but remain off the job indefinitely while non-unionized employees continue working.
“This has been very tough on our members. They deserve better from the company, and they deserve a decision from the labour board on our complaint,” said Steve LaBelle, president of Unifor Local 1541.
On May 10, members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) also went on strike at Best Theratronics.
