After more than 300 days, the PSAC-UNE members at Best Theratronics have finally reached a tentative agreement with their employer.
These courageous workers have been on strike since May 2024 and have refused to back down in the face of an employer who has been consistently disrespectful during the bargaining process.
This tentative agreement includes an 11.458% wage increase over the life of the 4-year agreement. Other highlights include changes to the vacation leave process, flexible start and finish times for hours of work, and a trial introduction of compressed shifts. The contract also does not include any of the concessions sought by the employer.
These members have been steadfast in the face of an employer who engaged in disrespectful behaviours throughout the entirety of the bargaining process. PSAC filed numerous Unfair Labour Practice (ULP) complaints with the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). The CIRB found that Best Theratronics failed to bargain in good faith with our members. Krishnan Suthanthiran, the owner of the company, did not give representatives authority to bargain on his behalf and released misleading communications to influence the bargaining process.
Even after the tentative agreement was reached, PSAC had to file another ULP complaint against Best Theratronics relating to continued efforts for misinformation relating to the bargaining process.
The members at Best Theratronics have displayed powerful solidarity and a commitment to fighting for a contract they deserve through a challenging job action. PSAC NCR and the Union of National Employees are happy that these members have been able to achieve a satisfactory tentative agreement and will be able to return to work in the coming weeks.