Saguenay inside workers, represented by CUPE, have voted more than 96 per cent in favour of pressure tactics up to and including strike action. At the same time, the union has requested conciliation to break the logjam in negotiations.
“It’s the first time a mediator-conciliator has been appointed in the history of collective bargaining with Saguenay inside workers. We believe that Saguenay should set an example befitting its status as the largest town in the region and show a lot more respect to its employees at the bargaining table and in its labour relations. This is nowhere near the way things stand at the moment,” said CUPE union representative Claire Simard.
The objectives of CUPE 2466 are mainly to protect its members’ working conditions and purchasing power.
“Inside workers provide important services to the citizens of Saguenay. Agreeing to give up ground on issues relating to working conditions is out of the question,” emphasized union president Stéphanie Cloutier.
These workers have been without a collective agreement since December 31, 2019.