BARRIE Members of Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 255 who work for the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie put up picket lines at noon today in their fight for a first contract.
The 23 full-time and seven part-time inside/outside workers, including day care workers and crossing guards, have been in a legal strike position since March 31. They have been in negotiations with the employer since last October.
If the employer accepts our offer to send all outstanding issues to binding arbitration, this wont have to be a long strike, said CUPE National Representative Jim Keenan. The workers dont want to strike, but we were getting nowhere at the bargaining table, even with the help of a mediator.
Employees are willing to take the risks associated with arbitration, he said. The ball is now in the employers court.
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For more information, contact:
Jim Keenan , CUPE National Representative - 705-722-7387
Pat Daley, CUPE Communications - 416-292-3999 - 416-616-6142 (cell)