CUPE calls on management to return to bargaining to avoid service disruption
The Town of Plympton-Wyoming could be without the services of the town’s roads maintenance and snow removal workers as early as October 27, as management could potentially lock out their own workers, warned the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing eight public roads maintenance workers.
“We are asking the employer to come back to the bargaining table and work toward a settlement so our members can continue to provide roads services that residents of Plympton-Wyoming rely on,” said Greg Atkinson, unit chair of CUPE 2393.2. “We had our first snowfall this past weekend and now workers and residents are facing a possible lockout by management.”
Management triggered a countdown toward a possible lockout or a legal strike by asking for a ‘no board’ report in early October. “All our members are looking for is a fair contract that allows us to maintain our roads properly and safely,” continued Atkinson. “It troubles us when the services our residents rely on could be jeopardized because management is not willing to even come back to the bargaining table to work out a deal prior to the deadline. Are we not all in the business of serving our community? The employer needs to come back to the bargaining table and do what it takes to reach a deal and avoid a service disruption.”
The outside workers maintain public roads, including snow removal and water and sewer maintenance. The workers contract expired on June 30, 2015.
For more information, please contact:
Catherine Robinson
CUPE National Representative
226-236-2735
James Chai
CUPE Communications
905-739-3999