Catherwood LibraryILR School

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union represents workers at Hydro Ottawa, an electricity distribution company. Hydro Ottawa workers have been on strike for over a week, and they began striking on June 28. The union is hoping to negotiate a new contract with Hydro Ottawa management that would improve worker conditions. Hydro Ottawa has been experiencing low staff levels, which means that the employees have had to work longer shifts. Longer shifts negatively affect the amount of sleep that workers get and hurt the well-being of employees. Workers have also been denied sick leave and health accommodations by Hydro Ottawa. In previous negotiations, Hydro Ottawa and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union have agreed on employee wages but disagree over employee healthcare and other employee benefits.