UWOFA Responds to Ministry of Labour Inspection Findings at Western University

(London, Ont) – The University of Western Ontario Faculty Association (UWOFA) acknowledges the findings from the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s inspection conducted on September 26, 2024, which identified infractions at Western University regarding hazardous materials handling and compliance with safety and training protocols.

The Ministry issued orders to Western for its failure to properly train replacement workers, leaving an unknown number of workers without essential instruction on the safe use, storage, and handling of hazardous materials. Orders regarding the absence of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), which are mandated by WHMIS legislation for workers handling hazardous materials, were also issued. While CUPE 2361 workers have access to an employer-provided e-binder containing these vital documents, replacement workers were not provided access to this critical resource. 

During the inspection, the water in some eyewash stations was observed to be unclean, owing to Western’s failure to flush and test these units weekly, contrary to manufacturer’s instructions and Western’s own safety policies. No order was issued as the units technically still met the Ministry’s minimum standards. However, Western’s failure to adhere to its own internal policy of weekly inspections raises concerns about its ability to maintain workplace safety without CUPE 2361 at work.

While we acknowledge that Western has taken rapid steps to rectify infractions, we remain concerned about the potential for ongoing training gaps for replacement workers, particularly if there is high turnover within this group and transfer across multiple buildings. Although the university had claimed that everything was operating safely without CUPE 2361, the Ministry of Labour’s inspection revealed violations that contradict this assertion.

UWOFA takes seriously the collective obligations of employers and workers to achieve and maintain high standards of occupational health and safety as established through our collective agreements and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Our use of the complaints process with the Ministry of Labour was an important and necessary tool to regain our Employer’s attentiveness to its obligations. 

UWOFA continues to call on the senior Administration to return to the bargaining table to reach a fair settlement with CUPE 2361. Perpetuating a strike of this length through the use of replacement workers is morally and financially irresponsible.

Contact:

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