MATHESON, ON – Municipal workers in the Township of Black River-Matheson remain locked out of their workplaces after talks on Monday ended with no deal.
CUPE 1490 went to the bargaining table in hopes of reaching a fair agreement, but the meeting concluded after a disappointingly brief duration.
Despite the union’s willingness to build on the positive momentum from last week’s bargaining session, the employer presented an offer that fell short of expectations.
“We came to the bargaining table with the hope of reaching a fair agreement that would allow our members to spend the holidays with their families and return to work by the new year,” says Serge Bouchard, president of CUPE 1490. “Unfortunately, we’re no longer optimistic.”
The bargaining session began the day after the executive team of CUPE 1490 hosted a heartwarming holiday party for the 13 municipal workers and their families. In attendance were NDP MP Charlie Angus and NDP MPP John Vanthof, CUPE Ontario Secretary-Treasurer Yolanda McClean, and staff from CUPE’s municipal sector.
“We’re grateful for all the messages of support we’re receiving from the community,” says Bouchard. “The solidarity and encouragement from our fellow community members are a testament to the strong bonds we share. We look forward to getting back to doing the work we love in the community we love.
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For more information, contact:
Katrina McGaughey
CUPE Communications Representative
[email protected]
514-898-6139
