BY CRAIG GILBERT
The Canadian Union of Public Employees is sounding the safety alarm as their strike at Greater Sudbury Hydro Plus Inc. approaches day 70.
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A spokesperson with the Ministry of Labour confirmed Wednesday several safety-related complaints have been received from CUPE Local 4705.
The union claims the some management staffers covering for the striking workers have been using untested equipment to work on live wires.
July 15 was the one-year point for the annual inspections of a number of pieces of equipment, according to the union. Some equipment that hasn't been certified for 2004 yet is still in use, CUPE fears.
Â?If an accident occurs and somebody is hurt because the equipment was not inspected, hydro and Greater Sudbury ratepayers could be on the hook for expensive lawsuits,Â? Gerry Poliquin says.
The Ministry of Labour has asked management to monitor the situation, but is taking no further action as yet.
About 85 inside and outside workers at the utility have been on strike since June 19. They are opposed to the board of directors' desire to cut off the retiree benefits of new hires at age 65.
