PRINCE ALBERT, SK. - The Art Hauser Centre Board and the City of Prince Albert cannot proceed with their plan to contract-out the concession operation at the former Comuniplex because it violates the collective agreement with union members employed at the facility.
That’s the message the Canadian Union of Public Employees delivered to the board and city yesterday, when it filed a grievance on behalf of Local 882 members.
The union was notified last week by the Art Hauser Centre Board that it intended to contract-out the concession operation to the Optimist Club of Prince Albert. Under the board’s plan, about 25 CUPE members employed in the concession will be out of work.
But the union maintains the board’s action violates the CUPE Local 882 collective agreement, which limits contracting-out of work to situations regarding periodic peaks in workload. The board also failed to notify and consult with the union prior to making its final decision to contract-out work of the bargaining unit.
The union says the board must rescind the contract with the Optimist Club and keep the concession operation in-house. “Many of the CUPE members employed in the concession have worked for the city for more than 20 years. They need these jobs,” says CUPE Local 882 Vice-President Carrie McCoshen. “And quite frankly, our community-owned facility needs the $50,000 in net profits generated by the concession operation.”
Jason Stelmaschuk, CUPE Local 882 President, says if the board proceeds with its plan, it could prove costly for the city. “Through our grievance, we’ll be seeking an order to have the Optimist Club contract cancelled and all lost wages and benefits repaid to affected employees with interest.”
Contact:
Carrie or Jason
CUPE office in Prince Albert
(306) 922-3895