UPDATE (February 24, 2017) – The lockout has been suspended as of 12:01am on Friday, February 24. This is the right choice, as it means the line of communication between the parties has been reopened. We are hopeful that the parties are able to find a mutually agreeable solution as quickly as possible.
A CUPE 1281 member was locked out on February 16, after attempts at a mediated settlement broke down. This worker is an employee of CUPE 3913.
Lockouts are never the solution. Lockouts mean communication has broken down. They always mean we are further away from reaching an agreement and from assuring fairness and due process for workers.
The situation in Guelph is quite unusual, and difficult, since CUPE Ontario members are on both sides of this lockout. Solidarity in situations like this means we must find ways to support both parties, and that is what we are doing.
CUPE Ontario is working to try to get the parties back to the table and to end the lock out. We continue to strongly urge both parties to resume negotiations as soon as possible to find a mutually agreeable solution.
We must remind ourselves in this challenging situation that all CUPE Ontario members share a commitment to fairness and respect for workers. We remain optimistic that a speedy resolution is possible, and we offer our full support to both parties to assist in any way we can.
For more information, please contact:
Jennifer Story
CUPE Communications
416.461.6310
