Prince Albert - At a bargaining session yesterday with the union representing ‘inside’ city workers, the City of Prince Albert’s negotiating committee walked out – a move the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) describes as “irresponsible.”
In response to a union’s counter offer, the employer’s committee headed up by the city manager, Roman Martinuk, left the bargaining table and told the union “to do what they have to do,” says CUPE representative Bryan Brotzel.
CUPE Local 882 represents about 120 “inside” city workers, including employees in administration, aquatics, concessions and playgrounds. The city workers have been trying to conclude a new agreement for more than two years. Earlier this month, they voted 97% in favour of job action. Morale is at an all time low.
Brotzel says the contract should have been settled in February when CUPE felt it had a tentative agreement to recommend to its members. But in late February, the employer pulled the offer – a move that resulted in the union filing an unfair labour practice.
No new bargaining dates have been set.
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For more information:
Contact Carrie McCoshen or Bryan Brotzel in Prince Albert at: 922-3895