CUPE National President Paul Moist led an energetic rally for striking municipal and library workers in Guelph on Monday, February 20th. “CUPE supports you in your struggle to defend public services and protect your work,” brother Moist told the enthusiastic crowd of CUPE members and supporters.
The 560 CUPE members went on strike on February 15th to prevent contracting out of public services in Guelph, after management refused to improve job security provisions. The issue of contracting out came to the forefront last year when CUPE waged a campaign to prevent the City of Guelph from privatizing the Wet Dry Plus waste management program.
The striking members are from CUPE 241 (outside workers), CUPE 973 (inside workers) and CUPE 1946 (library workers). “We urge management and city council to get back to the bargaining table and offer our members a deal that recognizes and respects the work they do for this community,” said Moist.