SaskTel digs its foot in the sand saying striking workers aren’t welcome back to job until new contract is reached

Thanks, but no thanks.

That is what SaskTel is saying to Unifor after the union representing striking workers at several Crown Corporations said they would go back to a “work-to-rule” campaign starting Tuesday.

The Crown-owned phone company says it will not allow striking employees to return to work until a new contract is reached, adding it was a decision they didn’t take lightly.

In a release, SaskTel said there is a tremendous amount of uncertainty as it stands right now so this is the best action to take.

They also say there were configuration issues and fictitious orders created that disrupted service to customers with MAX TV since the work to rule strike action last week,.

The company adds it is looking at applying an injunction to stop the union from preventing non-union employees to work at the contact centres as was the case Monday. That same release says that while Unifor members do have the right to strike, non-unionized workers also have the right to get to work and its unacceptable that employees are being prevented and in some cases threatened to enter their workplace.

SaskPower said on Monday afternoon they will be allowing unionized workers back to work on Tuesday if they choose to come in, while employees at SaskEnergy have informed the gas company they will not be working on Tuesday.

RELATED: Unifor announces a return to “work-to-rule” campaign for striking Crown Employees

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