In a letter sent directly to members, the Chief Administrative Officer of Black River-Matheson, Chris Wray, wrote that:
This new contract now makes numerous key protections in the previous collective agreement null and void. This comes on the heels of a forced vote, which the members of CUPE Local 1490 overwhelmingly rejected. The deal contained less in wages for new hires than previous offers that have been rejected and will only make recruitment and retention an issue.
Wray’s actions are part of a pattern of attacking wages, especially those of the next generation of workers, and of ham-fisted tactics. It’s time to name his actions specifically and demand that the Township reject his approach to these hard-working municipal workers.
You can make your voice heard!
Send a message to the Town of Black-River Matheson: Stop Criminalizing Workers.
Join CUPE National’s initiative and let the members of CUPE Local 1490 that you stand in support of their strike.
Local 1490 has been on lockout/strike since October 14, 2023. If you want to support the striking members, you can make a financial contribution to :
Your donation will help support these members in their striking efforts. One day longer, one day stronger.
BLACK RIVER – MATHESON, ON – Members of CUPE Local 1490 have voted in favour of an agreement with the town of Black River-Matheson, bringing an end to a bitter, months-long dispute that began in October with the lockout of 14 members and eventually led to a strike after members rejected a forced offer which…
BLACK RIVER-MATHESON, ON – Members of CUPE Local 1490 have voted to reject an agreement with the town of Black River-Matheson, meaning the months-long dispute that began in October and eventually led to a strike earlier this year will continue. “We are continuing to stand up for our principles and our values to achieve an…
MATHESON, ON – The mayor and council of Black River-Matheson, home to a bitter municipal strike that began as a lockout last October, today received notice from the province that their seats had been declared vacant. “We don’t know yet what this means for us,” said Serge Bouchard, President of CUPE Local 1490, representing 14…
Black River-Matheson, ON – After coming within a hair of resolving a bitter, six month labour dispute, the Township of Black River-Matheson has chosen to prolong it, by insisting on their right to be vindictive once people go back to work, says CUPE Local 1490. “I have no words for what I just witnessed at…
Black River-Matheson, ON – Full of mistruths and unnecessary insults, the statement issued today by the Mayor of Black River-Matheson reeks of desperation and does little more than prove that striking workers are in the right, says CUPE Local 1490. “We’re out on the picket line to call attention to our legitimate demands and calling…
Black River-Matheson, ON – After the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) filed for a judicial review to the Superior Court of Justice of the Township of Black River-Matheson, the Township’s attempt at framing striking workers as intimidating is an intentional attempt to distract and misinform, says CUPE Local 1490. “I can’t tell you how…
