At a meeting held on June 26, CUPE 882 members representing City of Prince Albert inside workers voted 79% in favour of job action, up to and including a full withdrawal of services.
CUPE 882 members have been without a contract since December 2021.
“Our members are being ignored,” said Tammy Vermette, president of CUPE 882. “Municipalities across the province have been able to reach fair agreements that recognize the crushing cost-of-living, and still, the City of Prince Albert refuses to keep our pay on pace with inflation.”
The most recent offer from the city would result in a significant reduction of purchasing power for city employees in the first two years of the agreement. The previous two rounds of bargaining resulted in employees losing 2.65% of their purchasing power. After employees rejected the city’s final offer, the city has refused to meet with the union and continue bargaining.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Prince Albert and City Council have seen their compensation increase by 20% from 2016 to 2021, double the increases received by CUPE 882 members during this period. Following a recent compensation review the Mayor and Councillors have an option to take raises of 5% and 25% respectively in 2025.
“Our members work tirelessly to deliver Prince Albert’s municipal services. The city needs to understand the city works because we do,” said Judy Henley, president of CUPE Saskatchewan. “The City of Prince Albert needs to stop ignoring the key role that our members play in providing safe and timely municipal services and offer them a fair deal so they can continue to serve their community with pride.”