CUPE Local 500 members at the City of Winnipeg have voted 88.6% to reject the citys offer of settlement and authorize strike action if necessary.
“Im pleased with the strong endorsement of the unions recommendation,” stated Local 500 president Paul Moist. “This is what we need to get negotiations moving towards a reasonable contract settlement.”
“Our first task is to get back to the bargaining table,” Moist added. “Were committed to getting an agreement and we believe a settlement is achievable without a withdrawal of service. Well be contacting the City to resume talks as soon as possible.”
There were 2864 members who cast ballots in the vote: 320 voted to accept the citys offer and 2,539 voted to reject and authorize strike action if necessary. There were 5 spoiled ballots.
The outstanding issues are fair wage increases, employment security and no concessions.
CUPE Local 500 and the City of Winnipeg began bargaining face-to-face on October 27, 1999. The contract expired December 25, 1999. CUPE Local 500 represents about 5,000 City of Winnipeg employees on average. The number is larger during the summer months and smaller during the winter.
For more information, please contact Paul Moist at
981-2873 (cel) or 942-1001 (office).