Security guards in Ontario have achieved a major victory, thanks to the advocacy work of UFCW 1006A and the labour movement.
The union’s concerted efforts to ensure security guards’ rights are protected have led the Ministry of the Solicitor General to change its position on subcontracting, bringing an end to some security companies’ practice of misclassify security guards as “Independent Contractors” rather than employees. This means their rights to access WSIB, Employment Health Tax and other protections are further enhanced.
Previously, the Ministry had taken the position that subcontracting security guards was not a Ministry of the Solicitor General issue. After repeated complaints from security guards and UFCW 1006A, the Ministry has now noted subcontracting cannot be considered independent contracting as an employer-employee relationship exists, despite what the employer may claim.
“This is a significant victory for our members, who work in the security industry, made possible by the power of UFCW representation,” said President Wayne Hanley. “Your union will always do what is necessary to hold security companies accountable for engaging in shameful practices that violate workers’ rights.”
In recent years, this issue was brought to the forefront when the City of Toronto replaced security providers, who are UFCW 1006A union members, at the Metro Toronto Housing Corporation.
The new contractor, Star Security, made a dramatically cheaper bid, which appealed to the city procurement personnel. Once awarded, Star Security immediately violated the Labour Relations Act by labelling them subcontractors. These “subcontracted guards” lost protections under WSIB, liability insurance coverage and union health and welfare benefits. Star also refused to recognize the guards' union contract, contrary to the Labour Relations Act.
Star Security’s actions were in violation of the Private Security and Investigators Act, which does not allow security guards to be subcontractors. Star Security is making this group of committed guards break the law to keep their jobs. 1006A continues the fight for Star Security guards at the Ontario Labour Relations Board, with more hearing dates established for November 2025.
“Workers in the security industry deserve to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity and our union is committed to doing everything in our power to ensure our members are protected and to raise the standards for all in this industry,” said President Hanley.
