Members of CUPE 1880, Community Living Algoma workers, voted 76 per cent in favour of an improved tentative agreement May 13, following a 20-day lockout. The settlement will improve wages and working conditions for the 400 workers.
“It’s unfortunate it took a lockout to get us here,” says Matt Cavaliere, from the Local bargaining committee. “But our members have achieved improvements in wages and working conditions – and, most importantly, we’ve come through this a lot stronger and united.”
CUPE 1880 had previously rejected a final offer from their employer on April 23, their legal strike/lockout deadline, but offered to stay on the job and return to the bargaining table. Instead, their employer locked them out without notice.
“With strong parent and community support – and union solidarity – we came out with a better deal in the end. Our members can hold their heads up high as we get back to doing the work we love,” says Cavaliere.