The Union of National Defence Employees (UNDE) Local 40807, represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), is pursuing legal action following what it describes as an illegal lockout of striking workers at 15 Wing Moose Jaw earlier this month.
PSAC has filed an unfair labour practice complaint against Sodexo Canada, the sub-contracted employer, for failing to provide the required 48-hour notice before initiating a lockout on May 13. The union leadership believes the lockout violated labour laws.
Marianne Hladun, PSAC’s regional vice-president for the Prairies, stated from the picket line, “We have filed legal proceedings for an illegal lockout, which they say was a misunderstanding. We understand the law, we believe it was an illegal lockout and we will be pursuing that action, including Sodexo being responsible to pay wages as they turned employees away from their work.”
According to PSAC, replacement workers have been brought in since the strike began, while unionized employees continue to walk the picket line. A spokesperson from Sodexo declined to comment on the ongoing dispute.
Background of the Dispute
UNDE Local 40807 workers began a rotating strike on May 12 after negotiations with Sodexo stalled following approximately one year at the bargaining table. The day after the strike started, workers arriving for their scheduled shifts were turned away, leading to the lockout allegations.
Hladun emphasized that wages and benefits are the primary issues. “It was not comparable with the market, it’s not comparable on other bases where employees are doing this as federal public service workers, and so we’re saying enough is enough,” she said. “Starting wages are barely more than minimum wage, but yet if you ask anyone on this base, they are critical to the operation of this base.”
Workers Represented
UNDE Local 40807 represents approximately 35 civilian employees at the base near Moose Jaw, including custodial staff, cooks, and general support workers. The local’s collective agreement expired on December 31, 2023, and talks between the union and Sodexo reached an impasse in December 2025.
The union remains steadfast in its pursuit of fair wages and benefits, with legal proceedings now underway to address the alleged illegal lockout.
