NORTH BAY The stage has been set for a strike at North Bay Hydro after conciliation talks between the utility and Local 72 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) broke off today.
Were doing everything we can to avoid a strike, says CUPE Local 72 president Ken Hull, representing 45 North Bay Hydro employees. This employer has talked about selling off our utility and they arent even prepared to negotiate severance packages.
Talks have gotten nowhere, says Steve Boyle, CUPE National Representative. This employer seems hell bent on causing inconvenience to North Bay residents by forcing us into a strike situation.
Mediation talks have been scheduled for June 26th. The workers will be in a legal strike or lockout position at 12:01 a.m. July 4th.
Were asking members of the public to call local politicians, says Hull. Tell them a strike is avoidable if the utility stops seeking clawbacks at the bargaining table. Tell them to keep North Bay Hydro public.
CUPE Local 72 has been working with the community to try and prevent the privatization of North Bay Hydro.
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For further information, please contact:
Ken Hull, President CUPE Local 72
705-474-8112, ext. 257
Steve Boyle, CUPE National Rep.
705-474-9765
Robert Lamoureux, CUPE Communications
416-292-3999