ENGINEERING RESISTANCE: ENERGY PROFESSIONALS AND THE 2005 STRIKE IN NEOLIBERAL ONTARIO

In the summer of 2005, the Society of Energy Professionals Hydro One Local engaged in unprecedented strike action that lasted 105 days. This article documents the strike, and explores how and why it occurred, and with such significant support and participation from the 1000 members of a union that had no militant history. I trace the build-up, progression and resolution of the strike, drawing from Society materials, media reports and ethnographic observation, as well as the insights of elected leaders, staff representatives, and rank and file members of the Society collected through interviews and written questionnaires. I conclude that government policy and management behaviour caused worker anger but that union education, organization and democracy were integral to moving these “professional ” workers into job action. n the sweltering heat of the summer of 2005, hundreds of workers could be seen protesting at the Ontario legislature, appearing in television commercials, and picketing workplaces, fundraising dinners and golf tournaments across the province. These strategies are not un-common for striking workers, but this particular group was the Hydro One Local of the Society of Energy Professionals, a 1000 member local with no history of strikes, militancy or union consciousness. The purpose of this article is to document the strike and present reflections on how and why it occurred. To do so, I first outline the history and composition of what is now the Society of Energy Professionals, or “the Society,” and present an overview of the recent restructuring of Ontario’s energy sector to situate the union and strike historically. Then I highlight key events in the build-up to the strike, and trace its 105-day progression and resolution. I conclude by