KAMSACK, SK - Striking workers in Kamsack will hold a rally outside the town office at 4 p.m. today to urge the mayor and council to accept the appointment of a conciliator to help break the impasse in the protracted contract dispute.
Town councilors are expected to consider the unions request at tonights council meeting.
We have been trying to conclude an agreement with the town for nearly three years, says CUPE staff representative Bill Cronin. Clearly, after this much time has passed, its time to request the assistance of a provincial department of labour conciliator.
The 13 town employees, members of CUPE Local 1881, walked off the job October 6 after the employer refused to improve its final offer, which contained many concessions. The town served lockout notice the following day.
The two-sides have not met since the strike/ lockout began.
The provincial department of labour will appoint a conciliator (at no charge) to assist in contract negotiations, when both sides agree to conciliation.
Cronin believes the appointment of a conciliator is the first step in getting the two sides back to the bargaining table to negotiate a resolution to the dispute.
Local residents and other supporters are expected to join the strikers at todays rally.
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For more information contact: Bill Cronin at 306 529-7680