TV stations and newspapers across the country are reporting that Unifor and the Canadian Labour Congress are optimistic about peacemaking efforts by OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas to end their dispute over the rights of workers to choose which union should represent them.
The Globe and Mail, CTV News, and The National Observer are all reporting on the role that Thomas is playing in bringing the two sides together.
"I think this bodes well. It is a step in the right direction," said Unifor President Jerry Dias. CLC President Hassan Yussuff said he will take "whatever help I can get," because "it is always disappointing when we have a dispute in our labour family."
Thomas said he's optimistic he and OPSEU can help resolve the dispute.
"I don't want to see the house of labour fall apart. I am not going to sit around and not try," Thomas said. It is fixable and everyone thinks so but we have to sit down and work at it."