'Bluecoats' at Sudbury's Science North want to join a union
Workers held a rally on Wednesday in Sudbury with labour movement representatives
Commonly known as 'bluecoats,' a group of workers at Sudbury's Science North who act as guides and information presenters, are looking to become unionized in an effort to improve their wages and benefits.
Lilith Wall, a bluecoat at Science North, and a member of the organizing committee, said at a rally outside Science North on Wednesday that she and her colleagues barely make more than minimum wage, which is $17.20 per hour in Ontario.
"We have so many young people with diverse college and university degrees who are struggling without the benefit and solidarity of a labour movement and a union collective agreement," Wall said.
"They are earning wages that are too low, whether part-time or full, and working in precarious contracts to pay rent and put food on the table."
Wall said the movement for Science North bluecoats to unionize started with a small group of workers who wanted to improve their working conditions.
Max Lafontaine, the president of CUPE Local 4705, which represents workers in a number of sectors in Sudbury, said workers at Science North have started card signing, which is the first step to form a union.
Once enough workers sign a union card with CUPE, the application goes to the Ontario Labour Relations Board, and it triggers a vote from those workers.
"The employer-employee relationship is not a balanced relationship. So first, things going on with the union, it kind of levels the playing field a little bit. You know, the union becomes the bargaining agent," Lafontaine said.
Lafontaine added that if Science North employees do unionize, they could form their own local, or potentially join CUPE Local 4705.
In a news release, CUPE alleged Science North has created an "intimidating atmosphere" for employees pushing for unionization, and has sent out anti-union messages to their homes and by email.
In a statement to CBC News, Science North spokesperson Julia Aelick said Science North is aware of discussions among some staff about unionizing.
"We fully respect the right of our employees to explore unionization, as protected under the Ontario Labour Relations Act," Aelick said in the statement.
"Our priority remains ensuring that all staff have access to clear, accurate information so they can make informed decisions. We encourage employees to consider all aspects of this process thoughtfully and without pressure."