CUPE 2197, representing 225 social service workers with the Highland Shores Children’s Aid society, requested a ‘no board’ report from the Ministry of Labour, early this morning, setting a strike or lock-out deadline of October 23 at 12:01 a.m.
“We remain committed to reaching a fair and equitable collective agreement so our members can continue to provide important services for vulnerable children and families in the community,” said Donna Carlaw, CUPE national representative. “While we’ve made progress on different fronts since we started bargaining in February of last year, there are key issues that still need to be resolved.”
CUPE 2197 is seeking a first collective agreement after the merger of agencies in Northumberland, Hastings and Prince Edward counties in 2012-2013. The workers are seeking to finalize an agreement on remaining issues, including harmonization of pay grids and contract language. Both parties are scheduled to return to mediation on October 21 with the assistance of a provincial mediator.
For more information, please contact :
Donna Carlaw
CUPE National Representative
613-453-2597
James Chai
CUPE Communications
905-739-3999