By Ryan Bresee
Fans going to the Corel Centre to see the Senators play could soon be playing a game themselves: the waiting game.
The arena’s 70 cleaners have been on strike since Feb. 5 because they can’t agree on a contract with the building owner, Ogden Corporation.
The cleaners, who are members of the United Steelworkers of America union, picketed at the last two Senators games.
Demonstrations were peaceful, and the only entrance they blocked was to valet parking.
OPP Constable Chuck Kaizer was among the extra police on hand but he didn’t notice any problems caused by the strike.
“The traffic’s fairly heavy but that’s to be expected with the sold out game.”
If the two sides can’t agree on a contract soon, Al Kay, the union representative, says they might block every entrance to the building.
“We could tie up the Queensway. A couple of cars could have mechanical breakdown at the same time. There’s all kinds of things we could do.”
Since the strikers are allowed to block each car for a few minutes, thousands of cars could be backed up as far as the eye can see.
OC Transpo and taxi drivers are supporting the union. They say they will drop fans off at the games, but won’t cross the lines.
Members of other unions such as CUPW, CUPE and the Auto Workers have joined the cleaners on the picket line in a show of support.
If the two sides can’t agree on a contract, there will be no shortage of bodies to help block traffic.
The major points of contention in the contract offered to the cleaners have to do with employee seniority and contracting out.
The union is fighting to get hours offered to workers with seniority first.
Currently, it’s possible for a new employee to work more hours per week than someone who has been employed for years.
Roger Newton, executive director of the Corel Centre, says they do not want to recognize seniority because it can lead to a high turnover rate among the newer employees.
This could leave Ogden short-staffed for some events. If this were to happen, Ogden wants to be able to hire non-union help.
Newton explains that this would only happen if there was a shortage of workers after all 70 cleaners employed by Ogden had called.
In spite of assurances, Kay says contracting out threatens job security.
Both sides are claiming that the other is refusing to negotiate.
Fortunately for hockey fans, there are no games scheduled until the end of the Olympics.
The next Ottawa Senators home game isn’t until March 5.
However, strikers will be present at all events until an agreement is reached.