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CHAPLEAU, Ont. – Negotiators for Local 887 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing outside municipal workers in the Town of Chapleau, hope a provincially appointed mediator can help them reach a settlement with the Town, so workers can continue delivering quality public services, and avert a strike that would hurt the community.
“The last thing our members want is a strike,” said Fran Bélanger, CUPE National Representative. “In fact our members were quite surprised with the aggressive approach of management in current contract talks.” CUPE 887 recently voted 100 per cent in favour of a strike if a fair collective agreement cannot be reached. Outstanding issues include changes management wants to make to working conditions and contracting-out.
“Our members want to continue to provide quality public services to the Town, and that’s why we are standing together to prevent contracting out – we see it as defending the future of public services in Chapleau.
CUPE remains available for negotiations and recently made a counter proposal to management, in the hopes of reaching a contract settlement as quickly as possible. October 8th has been set aside for mediation talks with the assistance of a provincial conciliation officer.
“We will do our best to reach a negotiated settlement, but we need a willing partner in management for that to happen,” said Bélanger. “We encourage residents to contact the Mayor and Councillors to urge them to do what it takes to reach a contract settlement to protect public services.”
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For further information, please contact:
Fran Bélanger, CUPE National Representative, 705-264-1269, 705-262-3909 (cell)
Robert Lamoureux, CUPE Communications, 905-739-3999
