Critical Safety Violations Exposed at Western University Amid Labour Dispute

(London, Ont) – Serious safety concerns have surfaced at Western University during the ongoing CUPE 2361 strike, with UWOFA (University of Western Ontario Faculty Association) Members uncovering widespread neglect of safety standards. These violations have prompted formal complaints to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, particularly in regards to critical emergency equipment like eyewash stations in laboratories and other high-risk areas. 

Spot checks of the Medical Sciences Building (MSB), Dental Sciences Building (DSB), and the Health Sciences Addition, revealed that eyewash stations had not been tested nor inspected since the strike began on August 30, 2024. These stations are required by law to be inspected weekly, and failure to maintain them in working order poses a significant health risk to faculty, staff and students. UWOFA has documented at least 20 uninspected stations with photographic evidence, which was included in formal complaints to the Ministry of Labour. Other safety infractions include replacement workers failing to wear proper or adequate personal protective equipment, raising concerns about adherence to Western University’s own safety regulations. Appropriate maintenance of fire extinguishers and safety showers is also a concern, as they are required to be checked monthly and will fall out of compliance if not checked by September 30th. 

Maintenance neglect has been reported in student residences, where unresolved issues like malfunctioning HVAC systems have caused discomfort for students during recent warm weather. Reportedly, lighting in the Visual Arts buildings has also not been repaired, creating challenges for students in studio classes that rely on proper lighting for their work. UWOFA is further alarmed by the potential for asbestos exposure in older buildings, where water and steam leaks occur frequently and require special precautions that may not have been properly communicated to replacement contractors. This poses an unacceptable risk to those workers. These lapses indicate a broader disregard for the health and safety of the campus community and beyond.

As the fall weather approaches, UWOFA is also concerned about deficiencies in areas that need to be constantly maintained, such as wet floors at building entrances and in common areas.

UWOFA will continue to closely monitor our work environment and we have asked Members to help us in documenting and reporting violations. If left unchecked, the failure to uphold safety regulations could have catastrophic consequences. As UWOFA President Johanna Weststar stated, “For a replacement worker, the difference between a sneaker and a safety shoe is very significant when a heavy or sharp object falls on their foot. A malfunctioning eye wash station could mean blindness for faculty, staff or students who work with hazardous substances. Western works because CUPE 2361 workers do.  We need them back now.”

UWOFA is calling on Western University to return to the bargaining table and conclude a fair, timely settlement with the essential workers of CUPE 2361 who work to uphold the proper standards of cleanliness, maintenance and safety of campus facilities. The current lack of inspections, improper safety training, and other violations highlight the critical role these workers play in maintaining the high standards Western claims to uphold.

Contact:
Bethany Taylor, UWOFA Communications and Engagement Officer
outreach@uwofa.ca
519-661-2111 x. 87965