The Bonfield Township Council meeting was cancelled by the mayor and the forecasted rain never came, but CUPE leaders led by Charles Fleury, CUPE national secretary-treasurer, Candace Rennick, CUPE Ontario secretary-treasurer and Henri Giroux, president of North Bay CUPE District Council along with CUPE members and Bonfield residents, did come out on Tuesday afternoon to show support for the striking CUPE 4616-2 members at a solidarity BBQ.
“You have the support of over 600,000 CUPE members across Canada,” said Charles Fleury, CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer, bringing greetings and support for the 16 municipal workers on strike in Bonfield. “CUPE supports your fight against concessions and we are with you every step of the way.”
Echoing brother Fleury’s remarks, Candace Rennick, CUPE Ontario secretary treasurer said: “We will stand by you and provide you with all the resources you need to win this fight.” Henri Giroux, who helped organize the event, also thanked the community for their continued support for the striking workers.
More than 150 people, from Bonfield residents to CUPE members from across the province, to local union members, brought solidarity messages and let the strikers know that they have the full support of their Ontario brothers and sisters.
Garth Pigeau, President of CUPE 4616-2 was encouraged by the support shown to his striking members and said, “Solidarity, this is what the union is all about.”
The workers have been on strike since August 1, 2013.