THUNDER BAY, ON – After nearly two years since their last contract expired, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 87, representing approximately 700 inside and outside municipal workers in Thunder Bay, has requested a “no-board” from the Ministry of Labour. This has triggered a strike or lockout deadline of 12:01 a.m. November 1st.
“It’s simply taking too long to reach an agreement,” said Karen Martin, president of CUPE Local 87. “We hope that having a deadline will focus talks and help our employer get serious about reaching a fair deal.”
The parties have been bargaining for over a year, and remain apart on a number of key issues.
“The employer is seeking concessions to our benefits plan, and on a number of basic collective agreement rights,” said Martin, “and this is a problem. We deliver quality public services in Thunder Bay every day – our goal is to negotiate a fair deal for our members, and to keep delivering those services.”
The parties have talks scheduled for October 31, with a provincially appointed mediator.
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For more information:
Karen Martin, President, CUPE Local 87, 807-629-4121
Andrea Addario, CUPE Communications, 416-738-4329
