Tile workers remain on strike across Ontario — but not at the site of Windsor’s Family Aquatic Complex.
Project manager Don Sadler said an agreement has been reached with the Brick and Allied Craft Union of Canada so that tile workers can resume their involvement in the construction of the downtown aquatic centre.
“It’s a local, independent agreement, ” Sadler said Wednesday.
He said the deal was achieved late Tuesday after discussions with union representatives. It’s expected to last for the duration of the project.
Some details are still being determined, but Sadler said the tile workers should be back on the job before the end of the week.
The site needs the efforts and expertise of six to eight tile workers. Their work schedule was halted for five days as a result of provincewide labour action by their union.
Mike Gagliano, business manager of Local 6 of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, said the deal has the support of the national union.
“We haven’t left the union. We’re still unionized,” Gagliano said. “It’s an independent agreement with the contractors here…. We’re allowed to work on this and finish the job.”
Sadler said the disruption won’t affect the project’s goal dates, and the site remains on track for completion before the International Children’s Games — to be hosted by Windsor-Essex from Aug. 14 to 19.
One of the facades of the Family Aquatic Complex. Photographed June 12, 2013. (Jason Kryk / The Windsor Star)
Construction resumes at the downtown site of Windsor’s Family Aquatic Complex. Photographed June 12, 2013. (Jason Kryk / The Windsor Star)
The view from the parking lot of the Family Aquatic Complex. Photographed June 12, 2013. (Jason Kryk / The Windsor Star)
