Mediation between the District of Squamish in British Columbia and CUPE 2269, the union representing approximately 250 municipal workers, ended without resolution on Friday, after the District again was unwilling to make the necessary compromises to move negotiations forward.
CUPE 2269 members represent approximately 250 workers who provide integral community services to residents, businesses, and visitors in Squamish including water and wastewater treatment, swimming lessons, children’s programs and camps, recreation services, facilities maintenance, parks and trails maintenance, bylaw and animal control, snow removal, emergency program administration, and administrative and operations support for the RCMP.
“Our community deserves better,” said Celeste Bickford president of CUPE 2269. “The Mayor has been calling publicly for an urgent return to the table. Yet once negotiations resumed, the District wasn’t willing to genuinely engage in bargaining or work toward a fair resolution.”
“Yesterday, our focus was on finding a path to resolution, and we presented a revised package that reflected that commitment. Unfortunately, the employer rejected it and refused to make any meaningful changes to their position” added Bickford while speaking on Saturday.
Bickford said that at the end of mediation they presented the District with a further revised offer, which included a revised wage offer, for them to consider and asked for a response by noon on Monday, October 27 given the urgency of resolving this dispute. In response, the District asked for an extension to 4:00 p.m.
“While we’ve agreed to this extension, there’s no reason for the District to delay providing a response if they are truly committed to resolving this dispute.” added Bickford.
Mediation between the parties was scheduled to resume at 1:00 p.m. today, though CUPE 2269 says they offered to resume negotiation anytime over the weekend or earlier.