September 26, 2023* – Employees of Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) who belong to the Society of United Professionals (SUP) commenced strike action earlier this week.

“Our members do not want to be on strike,” said Robert Mitchell, Society ESA Local vice-president. “We are safety professionals who want to be doing our jobs protecting public safety and supporting the electrification of Ontario’s economy.”

The Society represents about 12% of ESA’s workforce, whose positions range from product safety specialists and engineers to communications, IT technicians, analysts, and technical advisors.

The remainder of ESA’s workforce—including inspectors and customer service call centre reps—are still on the job.

According to the Society, its ESA members have been falling behind relative to both the rising cost of living and other ESA employees.

“While both parties have worked hard in the negotiations, unfortunately, we have not been able to reach an agreement,” says ESA, adding that “We are committed to resolving this situation as soon as possible, and are hopeful that we can come to a fair and equitable resolution with our colleagues.”

The Society says its bargaining team is prepared to return to the table when ESA “is ready to come forward with a deal that is fair and equitable to their professional employees”.

As an administrative authority acting on behalf of the Government of Ontario, ESA is responsible for administering specific regulations related to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the licensing of electrical contractors and master electricians, electricity distribution system safety, and electrical product safety.

Members of the Society can also be found in organizations such as Ontario Power Generation, Hydro One, Bruce Power, Independent Electricity System Operator, Toronto Hydro, and Ontario Energy Board.

– This news was initially published September 22, 2023. It has been updated with statements from the Society of United Professionals.