CAMBRIDGE, Ont. – Cambridge ‘outside’ municipal workers, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), turned out in record numbers last night to endorse a new three-year collective agreement without any of the contract concessions demanded by their employer.
“This is a ‘no roll-back’ contract,” said CUPE 32 president Paul Walsh, opening the ratification meeting to thunderous applause. “I want to thank the many city workers who were instrumental in organizing and carrying out our campaign strategy to fight management’s concession demands.”
“This new agreement is a victory for our ‘fairness and respect’ campaign,” said Mark Charboneau, CUPE national representative. “Cambridge residents supported our fight to be treated fairly and we are relieved that council finally recognized the value of our work.” In a separate meeting on Monday evening, city council also ratified the new agreement.
“We are hopeful that management will show leadership and work more co-operatively with workers, rather than forcing our members to wage a public campaign to fight for respect in the workplace,” continued Charboneau. The new contract includes health and benefit improvements, and a three per cent wage increase in each of the three years of the agreement.
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For further information, please contact:
Mark Charboneau, CUPE National Representative: 519-743-7781, 519-242-9768 cell
James Chai, CUPE Communications: 416-292-3999