(Sydney) – After a year of trying to negotiate a first contract for employees at Jewels and Gems Day Care Centre in Glace Bay, CUPE has asked the Minister of Labour to appoint a Conciliator.
CUPE National Rep. Jacquie Bramwell says, “The 11 members of Local 4735 have been extremely frustrated by their employer’s refusal to bargain even the simplest items.”
“The employer’s position is status quo on wages, benefits and working conditions with the view there is no need to bargain. We’ve had exactly two face-to-face meetings with the employer in a one-year period. Dates for meetings were continually cancelled by the employer, adding to the frustration,” says Bramwell.
“Rather than sticking their heads in the sand, it is incumbent on this employer to sit down and negotiate a contract for their employees. We will have a collective agreement for these workers, and continuing to resist is only frustrating the process,” she says
There are 68 children enrolled at the centre with a unionized staff of 11. The staff includes ECE Teachers and a cook.
For information:Cathy MacMullin, President, CUPE Local 4735, 842-5139
Jacquie Bramwell, CUPE National Rep., 539-4933 (o)
John McCracken, CUPE Communications Rep., (902) 455-4180 (o)
cope 491