Norfolk County The union representing 260 Norfolk County workers won a grievance against their employer, Norfolk County, over comments made by Mayor Rita Kalmbach about bylaw enforcement officers and parking tickets.
The admission of regret by our employer is the first step to fostering a positive working relationship with our members, says Josie Marchesano, president of Local 4700 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). We are glad that recent events are behind us so we can continue to do our job and maintain public safety in our county with pride.
The temporary loss of parking spaces due to the reconstruction of Norfolk Street resulted in an increase in illegal parking on side streets, which includes blocking of a hydrant or a driveway for emergency vehicles. These infractions resulted in parking tickets issued by bylaw officers in accordance with local bylaws.
Mayor Kalmbach inaccurately blamed bylaw officers by accusing them of being slap-happy and having too much time on their hands. The union filed a grievance for her inappropriate and misinformed remarks, and demanded an apology from the mayor for her remarks.
We are glad that we reached a settlement on this issue, continues Marchesano. We will continue to work with the employer to ensure that such incidents are not repeated after all, both the county and the union want our members to work in a positive and professional environment.
For further information, please contact:
Josie Marchesano
President, CUPE Local 4700
519-429-9956 (cell)
Mike Walters
CUPE National Rep.
905-575-5411 (office)
James Chai
CUPE Communications
416-292-3999