Michael Coene, President of the Customs and Immigration Union in Sarnia says yesterday’s work refusal was in response to a number of long simmering issues.
“Such as exposure to lead in the drinking water, a proper detention cell, septic tank problems and proper washroom sanitation, the conditions are substandard, they tried to resolve it internally with the employer and were unable to reach a resolution so they exercised their rights under the Canada labour code.”
Coene says the workers understand the frustration for travelers, and didn’t want to have to take these actions.