Earlier this summer, I wrote a news article about Local 1325 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America trying to unionize about 50 general construction roofers employed by Flynn Canada Ltd.
Based out of Toronto, Flynn is the leading provider of total building envelope solutions in North America, with locations in both Calgary and Edmonton.
In the month and a half since I wrote that story, these workers have still not unionized.
In fact, Local 1325 filed an application with the Alberta Labour Relations Board on 23 August, accusing the employer of unionbusting.
To be clear, they didn’t actually say the word “unionbusting” in their application. They listed several actions of the employer instead, which could be interpreted as unionbusting.
For example, Local 1325 claimed that Flynn Canada is trying to get workers to sign a statement that says they don’t support unionization.
Apparently, they’ve been repeatedly questioning workers to see what level of support, if any, they have for unionization. Local 1325 also accused the employer of “harassment” directed to workers.
As well, the employer has allegedly sent out multiple letters to the workers with oft-used scare tactics, claiming that if they unionize, they’ll lose work, they’ll lose their job, and for those who aren’t Canadian citizens yet, they might lose their residency.
According to the application, Local 1325 frames these actions as “intimidation”, which the employer uses to “compel” workers to not vote in favour of unionizing.
The ALRB has scheduled a hearing for next Tuesday when they will review Local 1325’s application. During that time, the employer will have a chance to defend and justify their actions.
This wasn’t the only application related to unionbusting, however.
On 26 August 2024, Local 2404 of the Pile Drivers, Divers, Bridge, Dock and Wharf Builders filed an application with the ALRB accusing Pentor Pile Driving Ltd. of unionbusting.
Or more specifically, when Pentor found out that some of their workers were trying to unionize, they evicted them from the accommodation they provided to their workers, according to the application. This eviction apparently occurred on 21 August.
Based out of Edmonton, Pentor was founded by Brad Gallant and Brianna Bouchie earlier this year. Their workers provide general pile driving services, including flood barriers, shoring, marine construction, and foundations.
The ALRB has scheduled a hearing for later today for this application. Brad Gallant seems to be representing the company himself.
Because the ALRB doesn’t archive their new application reports, I’ve included a copy of last week’s report below.
