“We’ve come this far – we’re not backing down now”: After two days of disappointing bargaining striking Town of Whitby municipal workers go back to the lines

(Whitby, ON) – After two days of bargaining the Town of Whitby has only doubled down on unnecessary concessions but striking municipal workers are feeling more emboldened than ever, said CUPE Local 53. “We’re definitely surprised and disappointed by the employer’s behaviour at the table,” said Rob Radford, President of CUPE Local 53. “We’re disappointed…

Report demands Ford government scrap private surgeries and invest in public hospitals

Toronto, Ontario – Drawing on new data from Freedom of Information requests, financial and statistical analysis, and research, a new report raises red flags about the Ford government’s privatization of our public hospitals’ core services including diagnostics and surgeries. The report, At What Cost? Ontario hospital privatization and the threat to public health care published…

CUPE 136 Outside workers in Oakville to hold ‘All Treats, No Tricks’ Rally about their negotiations with the town.

Oakville, ON – The outside workers for the Town of Oakville are inviting residents to join them in Oakville Towne Square late Friday afternoon for an ‘all treats, no tricks’ information rally about their ongoing collective bargaining. The members of CUPE Local 136 have been without a contract since February 15. To date, the Town…

Ontario Public Library Week

Ontario Public Libraries Week (October 20-26) highlights the important role public libraries and library workers play in our communities. Our theme this year is “Your Library Belongs to You.” Which is very true. Public libraries exist and provide their huge range of services because of funding that comes from you through your municipality. This week,…

“We will always oppose two-tier wages”: CUPE Local 1490 continues to reject unequal wages ahead of a Sunday strike deadline

(Black-River Matheson, ON) – 14, full-time, municipal workers at the Township of Black River-Matheson are headed towards a strike deadline of 12:01am Sunday, October 15, mainly over the issue of unequal wages, says CUPE Local 1490. “The Employer has been pushing a two-tier wage, something we consider fundamentally divisive because it will mean that new…

“We can avoid a strike but we’ll hit the picket lines if we have to”: CUPE Local 53 Town of Whitby workers fight harmful concessions ahead of strike deadline

(Whitby, ON) – Approximately 300 Town of Whitby municipal workers may be on strike as of 12:01am Saturday, October 14, over scheduling and hours, says CUPE Local 53. “The Employer has made it clear that what they want is full and complete unilateral control over everyone’s scheduling, ensuring that we’re going the gold standard to…