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Our goal is to get a fair contract so we can continue to provide essential public services that residents rely on, especially during these uncertain economic times, said Phil Jacobs, president of CUPE 504. Instead of offering us a similar deal to what other city workers received from the same employer, the city is trying to force us to accept an inferior offer or go out on strike.
The outside’ workers provide snow plowing, garbage collection, arenas and parks maintenance, mechanic services, waste water treatment and collection and forestry services. Their current contract will expire on December 31, 2008. Conciliation talks broke down earlier today when management made an unacceptable offer pushing the union to request a no-board’ report from the provincial conciliator, triggering a countdown to a lockout or a legal strike as early as January 10.
It appears from their offer that they are keen to push us to go on strike in the bitter cold of January but our members are determined to be treated fairly and are united to achieve a deal similar to what other workers have already received, said Jacobs.
On Tuesday, CUPE 504 voted 97% in favour of a strike if a fair deal is not reached with the city. The union has been frustrated with the slow progress of contract talks as both non-monetary and monetary issues remain unresolved.
Nobody wants a strike, all we want is a fair deal, continued Jacobs. But we are prepared to walk the picket lines if the city continues to treat us unfairly.
For further information, please contact:
Phil Jacobs
CUPE 504 President
705-760-5415
Alison Davidson
CUPE National Rep.
705-760-5113
James Chai
CUPE Communications
416-292-3999
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