(Sydney) – The union representing outside workers with Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) is holding a special meeting this Wednesday to talk to its members about stalled contract talks.
CUPE National Representative John Evans says, “We’ve made little progress to date in bargaining. An employer attempt to win concessions on benefits is what’s bogging things down.
“We’ve made two things clear to this employer; one is that CUPE does not negotiate concessions and two is that workers don’t join unions to move backwards,” says Evans.
CUPE says proposals were first exchanged in May, 2006 and Local 759’s contract expired in October, 2005 – 19 months ago.
The Conciliation Officer, Ken Zwicker, has filed his report to the Minister of Labour stating that both sides have been unable to reach an agreement to this point. Zwicker’s report puts the wheels in motion toward a possible strike or lockout.
The local has already received a strong strike mandate from the outside workers.
For information:
John Evans Joe Currie John McCracken
CUPE National Rep. President, CUPE Local 759 CUPE Communications Rep. 539-4933 (o) 539-4933 (o) (902) 455-4180 (o)