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IROQUOIS FALLS, Ont. – The union representing thirty-five office, public works, water works and recreation staff at the Town of Iroquois Falls, members of Local 259 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), face a strike or lockout as early as June 4, 2012, after Town management refused to back away from service cuts and concession demands in conciliation talks.
“The last thing we want is a strike, but it became clear at the bargaining table that Council has an agenda to cut services Iroquois Falls residents rely on,” said Gregg Peever, president of CUPE 259. “We proposed several ways to reach a settlement, even suggesting a committee to look at some of the more contentious issues, but management refused our suggestions.” Concessions demanded by management include: job security (to facilitate contracting-out and service cuts), and vacation, sick leave and scheduling concessions.
“Our members have provided services in the area since 1958, and they are committed to the community they serve,” said CUPE National Representative Lisa Steenerson. “We will do everything we can to reach a settlement in mediation, but unless Council and management stop their concerted attack on workers and services, it’s difficult to see how we will get there.”
“We again urge residents to contact their local Council members and the Mayor,” said Peever. “It is possible to reach a settlement and avoid a disruption if management takes a fair and reasonable approach to negotiations.”
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For further information, please contact:
Lisa Steenerson, CUPE National Representative: 705-264-1269, 705-221-4666 (mobile)
Robert Lamoureux, CUPE National Representative, Communications: 905-739-3999, 416-993-1063 (mobile)
