In a strong show of solidarity, Grey County municipal ‘outside’ workers, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), voted 100 per cent to support their bargaining representatives to seek a fair contract as management pushes for concessions in current contract talks. Both parties are set to resume bargaining with the help of a provincially appointed conciliator on September 30.
“A unanimous strike vote is a message to management that our members are united for a fair deal that will allow us to continue to serve the needs of our community,” said Mike Walters, CUPE national representative. “Our goal is to reach a fair contract and be treated fairly so we can focus on what we do best – delivering public services to Grey County residents.”
CUPE 1530 represents 55 outside municipal workers who provide county road maintenance in Grey County, including snow removal, road repairs, grading and cutting at the side of the roads, and vehicles maintenance. The workers’ last contract expired on May 31, 2013.
“While our members want to focus on serving Grey County, management has been pushing for concessions at the bargaining table that will jeopardize public services if talks break down and a service disruption occurs,” continued Walters. “We will be ready on September 30 to negotiate a fair settlement and we are urging management to come back to negotiations with the full intention to bargain respectfully.”
For further information, please contact:
Mike Walters
CUPE National Representative
705-331-0512
James Chai
CUPE Communications
905-739-3999