The Ontario Labour Relations Board (“OLRB”) today dismissed LIUNA’s (Local 183’s) request for a full forensic audit to be performed on the cell phone of a BUC representative, empathically labelling it as a classic “fishing expedition” and a complete overreach. The Building Union of Canada representatives Tony Cordeiro and Joe Russo, along with Mastercrete Construction Inc representatives, will be continuing to defend their bargaining rights acquired from a certification on September 9th, 2021, on the next hearing date scheduled for May 5, 2023 as originally planned.
Citing a lack of hard evidence, and a reliance on hearsay evidence, the LIUNA Representatives did not state whether they will be presenting any new evidence moving forward.
The BUC is happy to see that the OLRB has ensured that privacy and security, in respect to trade union representation, has been safeguarded today, and with respect to any future, disproportionate and invasive requests to for data on personal devices. This is a victory for union organizers and potential union members moving forward, as the OLRB refused to grant the sweeping overall forensic audit requested by the Labourers.