With a strong member turnout, over 80% of workers at the town of Esterhazy in southern Saskatchewan have voted in favour of job action, up to and including a full withdrawal of services.
The employer is attempting to force a vote on an offer that would shift seniority and remove members from the bargaining unit. Members of CUPE 5428 stand united against union busting tactics that are clearly designed to divide the membership.
Currently, the town of Esterhazy employs 11 permanent staff who are members of the union. This is the second time at the bargaining table for these workers. The employer has recently reduced staffing after eliminating a position in the town office and terminating the employment of the town heavy equipment operator and local union president.
“The employer is forcing a vote on an agreement that is not in the best interest of workers,” said Dylan Breland, CUPE representative. “The town of Esterhazy has spent significant money hiring consultants instead of paying our members a fair wage. Nearby communities like Kindersley, Yorkton, and Melville were all able to reach fair deals without expensive consultants at the bargaining table.”
The most recent collective agreement between the Town of Esterhazy and CUPE 5428 expired in 2023 and bargaining between the employer and the union has been ongoing. The last bargaining session ended with the employer walking backwards from where the parties had been and forcing a vote on their most recent offer.
“We should be coming together and doing our best to get a deal that works for everyone, but the employer is instead doubling down on their union busting tactics and offering a worse deal,” said Joe Richardson, president of CUPE 5428. “We are hopeful that a deal can be reached at the bargaining table but our members have sent a strong message: We deserve a fair deal, and we are willing to stand together to fight for one.”
The local is not currently in a legal strike position.