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Well over 175 members of CUPE 905, municipal workers in the Region of York, Ontario, held a successful information picket at Aurora City Hall on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 – the night of the City Council meeting.

The outside workers in Aurora are among the lowest paid in the Region and are asking for a fair contract that will bring them up to the average wage of outside workers in York.
“We’re not asking for the moon,” said Derek Bakshi, President of CUPE Local 905. “We’re only asking for fairness – not a lot to ask.”

“I’m really proud of our membership,” explained Steve Scott, Unit Chair. “Not only did they come out in droves, they brought family and friends and made a strong statement to the Council. We were able to get our message across through the picket and our handouts. We sat in on the council meeting and the mayor even introduced us.”

This unit is one for five CUPE 905 units now in conciliation. While the membership is one of the lowest paid in the region, the town of Aurora has eight senior managers on the “Sunshine List” – employees who earn over $100,000 per year with extra benefits of up to $7,450.