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NORTH BAY Mediation talks scheduled for tomorrow between North Bay Hydro and Local 72 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) are seen as the last chance to avoid a strike at the local utility, the union says.

The last thing our members want is a strike, says CUPE Local 72 president Ken Hull, representing 45 North Bay Hydro employees. But this employer has not even been prepared to negotiate with us they came to conciliation with no proposals.

Talks have gotten nowhere, says Steve Boyle, CUPE National Representative. This employer seems hell bent on causing inconvenience to North Bay residents by forcing us into a strike situation.

Mediation talks have been scheduled for tomorrow. The workers will be in a legal strike or lockout position at 12:01 a.m. July 4th.

Its important that members of the public call local politicians, says Hull. Tell them you dont want a strike and you want them to get involved. As local elected officials its their responsibility to make sure talks are productive and prevent a disruption.

Well be prepared to negotiate a deal tomorrow, says Boyle. But if the employer isnt willing to bargain well have no choice but to go on strike.

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For further information, please contact:
Ken Hull, President CUPE Local 72
705-474-8112, ext. 257
Steve Boyle, CUPE National Rep.
705-474-9765
Robert Lamoureux, CUPE Communications
416-292-3999