Warning message

Please note that this page is from our archives. There may be more up-to-date content about this topic on our website. Use our search engine to find out.
NORTH BAY – North Bay Hydro has rejected an offer from its striking workers to send the issue of pension benefits to third-party arbitration.

“We offered a solution to the impasse,” CUPE Local 72 President Ken Hull said after mediated discussions broke off. “Hydro is clearly not interested in restoring full service to the people of North Bay.”

The 35 workers have been on strike for two weeks. The main issue is the company’s effort to take away benefits from workers who retire. North Bay Hydro retirees have had full benefits for decades.

“Arbitration is a risk for both sides; but, it’s a risk we were willing to take in order to get back to work,” Hull said. “I wish I could say the same for North Bay Hydro.”

Hull also thanked residents of North Bay – and particularly local businesses – for the support they have shown CUPE members during the last two weeks.

“People here understand that it’s not right to simply waltz in and strip away benefits that workers have had for as long as they can remember,” he said.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Ken Hull, President, CUPE Local 72
705-472-1054
Steve Boyle, CUPE National Rep.
705-474-9765
Pat Daley, CUPE Communications
416-292-3999 ext. 216