Over 50 workers from Offshore Recruiting Services Inc. have fully joined PSAC / UCTE's ranks. Earlier this month, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) granted the skilled offshore labourers with union certification.

PSAC / UCTE has represented this group of workers since 1975. First, as employees of the Northern Transportation Company (NTCL), and since NTCL’s closure, as employees of ORSI, under a series of annual Memorandums of Understanding (MOU).

However, in light of their unique circumstances, the workers determined that it would be preferable to secure their bargaining rights through the CIRB’s certification processes. An application for certification was filed in March, and a Notice to Bargain served shortly thereafter. The newly formed bargaining unit will begin negotiating a new collective agreement shortly.

“There is still work to be done, but certification with PSAC / UCTE is a crucial step to secure what we have earned: fair working conditions and a proper collective agreement,” said Kaleb Milne, Local President.

Offshore Recruiting Services Inc. is an offshore labour contractor. They specialize in providing skilled and certified marine, drilling, subsea construction and catering personnel to work on specialized subsea construction vessels and installations throughout Canada and abroad.