OTTAWA The union representing commercial waste collection workers at BFI, serving 3000 commercial waste customers in the Ottawa area, has set a strike deadline of July 1st, 2003, if a deal cannot be reached with their employer.
Were looking at a strike because management wants wage concessions and were not going there, says Ernie Dion, president of Local 1338-2 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). Our members voted 100% in favour of strike action if we dont get a deal.
A strike by commercial waste collection workers could affect all garbage collection in the city, as other unions honour picket lines and cause delays at waste landfill sites.
Were prepared to go back to the table before our strike deadline, says Dion. But only if management is prepared to back away from concessions.
The workers, who collect, haul and dispose of waste, will be in a legal strike position at 12:01 a.m., July 1st.
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For further information, please contact:
Andy Mele, CUPE National Rep. - 613-237-0115
Ernie Dion, President, Local 1338-2 - 613-294-5953
Robert Lamoureux, CUPE Communications - 416-292-3999