The union representing security guards at Heritage Park is warning that the Employer’s request for mediation might mean that the Heritage Park Society is preparing to lock out employees seeking a first collective agreement.
Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 37 President Kevin Galley, is concerned that the Heritage Park Society is putting upcoming events at the park in jeopardy.
“I am very disappointed that the Employer chose to go the route of mediation at this time as we felt there has been plenty of progress at the bargaining table,” said Galley. “We believe it may be the intention of the Employer’s bargaining team to quickly go through the mediation process so they can lock out the employees.”
“CUPE Local 37 will not stand idly by while the Heritage Park Society takes this aggressive move to crush a small number of their employees represented by a union.”
Galley warned that if employees are locked out, his union will call on its members who work for the city and other employers to support picket lines, particularly during special events.
“CUPE 37 represents over 3,300 members across the region, and there are another 27,000 CUPE members in the province.” Galley says “We will use all options available to us in supporting our people at Heritage Park if the Employer chooses to lock them out.”
“There are many events coming up at the park and if the Employer goes to lock out there will be hundreds of our members standing side by side at the park entrance,” said Galley. “The Society knows the history of the region, so they should also understand the labour history. And in our history, we stand up for our members when they are picked on.”