Richmond Hill, ON – 200 striking City of Richmond Hill municipal workers represented by CUPE 905 are set to rally outside the Glass Tiger concert this Saturday, November 30, at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. The union says that Glass Tiger is crossing picket lines by proceeding with their Saturday show.
“It’s beyond disappointing to see that Glass Tiger is choosing to cross our picket line this Saturday,” said Brandy Trunk, Lead Stagehand at the Centre and a member of the union’s bargaining committee. “Instead of making a fair offer so we can get back to work, the City is risking the health and safety of performers and attendees by using untrained scab workers to operate the venue.”
CUPE 905’s Richmond Hill members maintain parks and roads, ensure clean drinking water, operate arenas and community centres, and produce all events at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. They are calling on Glass Tiger to cancel, postpone, or move their show until the strike is resolved.
“Crossing our picket line is an insult to dedicated Richmond Hill workers who are out on strike,” said Jake Matta, Unit Chair for CUPE 905’s Richmond Hill Unit. “Glass Tiger has an opportunity here to do the right thing and use their voice to advocate for fair working conditions for all. They can still side with workers and refuse to cross our picket line.”
“By using scab workers to go ahead with their show, Glass Tiger is keeping striking workers out longer without a paycheque by alleviating pressure on the employer to settle the strike,” said Katherine Grzejszczak, President of CUPE 905. Richmond Hill municipal workers have been on strike since Friday, November 22, citing stagnating wages across the board and a lack of full-time, permanent positions for stagehands at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.
Members of the public are invited to attend the rally, which will take place outside the venue at 1:00 PM on Saturday.
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For more information, contact:
Katherine Grzejszczak
CUPE 905 President
416-886-7914
Eric Bell, CUPE Communications
306-580-0893
[email protected]
