Civilian Sodexo employees at CFB 15 Wing Moose Jaw were locked out Wednesday morning following the start of a rotating strike [1].
The lockout disrupts essential support services at the Canadian Forces Base, highlighting the tension between private contractors and federal labor unions. Because these workers provide critical infrastructure and maintenance, a prolonged dispute could affect the operational readiness of the wing.
The workers are represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), and the Union of National Defence Employees (UNDE) Local 40807 [2]. The conflict began after contract negotiations between the union and Sodexo broke down, leading the union to initiate a rotating strike and picket line [3].
Shortly after the strike began, the employer responded by locking out the workforce [4]. Reports on the exact number of affected employees vary, with some sources saying 35 employees were locked out [5], while others describe the group as dozens of workers [6].
The union leadership has remained active on the picket lines at the Saskatchewan base to advocate for better contract terms. The lockout effectively prevents the civilian staff from returning to their posts until a resolution is reached with the company.
Sodexo manages various support services for the military base, and the current stalemate leaves the workforce in a state of employment limbo. The union continues to push for a fair agreement to resolve the collapse of previous talks [3].
“Civilian Sodexo employees at CFB 15 Wing Moose Jaw were locked out Wednesday morning”
This dispute underscores the vulnerability of military operational support when outsourced to private firms. A lockout during a rotating strike is a high-pressure tactic used by employers to force a quicker settlement, but it risks further alienating the workforce and creating long-term staffing instability at a strategic military installation.
