LONDON, Ont. – Encouraged by Mayor Brown’s remarks yesterday afternoon that he ‘wanted to see employees at work on Monday,’ CUPE is ready and available to bargain today if the city is prepared to return to talks to reach a concessions-free contract so workers can continue to provide services that Londoners rely on.
“We’ve always been ready and available to talk with the city to reach a concessions-free deal,” said Shelley Navarroli, president of CUPE 101. “We had provided a written response at the request of the city at 7:00 p.m. last night (Saturday) and told them we are ready to bargain any time prior to picket lines being established Monday morning in order to reach a settlement.” CUPE has still not heard back from the city negotiators.
“We still have time before pickets go up on Monday morning and we are still waiting for the decision makers to come to the bargaining table with a concessions-free proposal so we can reach a deal,” said Navarroli. CUPE understands the mediator is also available should talks resume.
At the heart of the issues in dispute are a host of concession demands tabled by the employer that strip away workers’ rights that have been freely negotiated by both parties over the years. “We’ve always been very flexible with the city on how best to serve the residents of London,” said Navarroli. “Why is the City of London making this more difficult than it needs to be? There is still time to reach a settlement if management is willing.”
“We are encouraged to see Mayor Brown wanting our members to come back to work on Monday and the only way to do that is for the city to send the right decision makers to the bargaining table with a concessions-free proposal so we can do just that – achieve a collective agreement so workers can be at work on Monday morning,” concluded Navarroli.
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For further information, please contact:
Shelley Navarroli, CUPE 101 President, 519-432-6695
Fred Blake, CUPE National Representative, 519-433-1754
James Chai, CUPE Communications, 416-458-3983
