MATTAWA, ON – Workers with the Town of Mattawa are entering the next phase of their effort to secure a new collective agreement, with conciliation talks scheduled for Tuesday, April 10th. The talks between the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1465-01 and the Town will be assisted by a mediator from the Ministry of Labour.
“After more than a year without a collective agreement, it’s clear that we need the assistance of the Ministry to move these negotiations along,” said Fran Belanger, a CUPE National Representative leading the talks. “This contract expired in December of 2016, and the Town is still not showing us they are serious about getting a deal. We understand they have been busy lining up outside contractors to do our work in the event of a strike or lockout – when there isn’t even a strike or lockout deadline set. Our message to them is simple: spend your energy at the table, working with us to secure a fair agreement, instead of seeking out costly contractors to do our work.”
The workers represent more than a dozen people in both “inside” and “outside” jobs, including licensing and permits, water and sewage, landfill, parks, recreation, and roads.
“We would like to remain on the job, providing high quality services to the people of Mattawa,” said Belanger. “We need the employer to be as committed as we are to securing an agreement next week.”
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For more information:
Fran Belanger, CUPE National Representative, 705-262-3909
Andrea Addario, CUPE National Communications, 416-738-4329
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