Members of CUPE 4416, representing the civic employees at the Municipality of Highlands East in Central Ontario, have voted 100% in favour of strike action.
The vote comes following multiple days of negotiations between the CUPE 4416 bargaining committee and the municipality. Fair wage increases to address the cost of living remains a priority issue, as well as fighting back against concessions from the employer, including mandatory weekend work, and the ability to change employee schedules with little to no notice. Additionally, the employer is refusing to negotiate benefits for two female workers that men working in the same position on the same schedule previously enjoyed.
“This unanimous vote sends a strong signal to the employer that our members are united and willing to stand up and fight for fair wages and against concessions,” said CUPE 4416 President Rick Huffman. “Our members have lives outside of work, and at the very least, they deserve predictable schedules that allows them to be able to make plans in their personal lives. They also deserve fair wages to address the growing cost of living, and everyone deserves benefits, regardless of their gender, especially when those benefits were offered to men working in the same position.”
The vote also comes following ongoing workplace health and safety issues that continue to go unaddressed by the municipality. Conciliation between the union and the employer is scheduled for early next month.
“We have a conciliation date set for June 10 with a Ministry appointed officer and hope urge the employer to come back and ready to reach a fair agreement,” said Huffman.