Ontario Labour Relations Board Dismisses Grievance Over Labour Dispute at Gordie Howe International Bridge

Strategic Insights -

The Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) has dismissed a grievance filed by the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers and its Local 700 regarding a labour dispute at the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Windsor, Ontario. The grievance, filed on May 13, 2024, concerned the assignment of disputed work on the bridge's strongback design to members of the Labourers' International Union of North America, Local 625.

Key Takeaways:

  • The OLRB exercised its discretion not to inquire further into the matter, citing that it would not serve any valid labour relations purpose to do so.
  • The dispute revolved around the assignment of work on the strongback design, which was designed specifically for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project and is unique to this project.
  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is a unique project, and the disputed work is in the final stages of completion, with the bridge set to open in the fall of 2025.
  • The OLRB ruled that any decision regarding who should have performed the disputed work would be of very limited precedential value, outweighing the time and effort required to attain a decision.
  • The Board also ruled that the disputed work may not be referred to in any current or future Board proceedings for any purpose, except for work that does not fall within the scope of the grievance.

Statistics:

  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge will be one of the five longest bridges in North America, with a total length of approximately 2.5 kilometres.
  • The bridge's main span will be 853 metres, making it the longest main span of any cable-stayed bridge in North America.
  • The bridge is scheduled to open in the fall of 2025.

Sources:

  • OLRB Case No: 0511-24-G International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers and its Local 700, Applicant v BNA CA DFA Inc., Responding Party v Labourers' International Union of North America, Local 625, Intervenor
  • Labour Relations Act, 1995, S.O 1995, c.1, as amended (the "Act")