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North Bay – Negotiations are set to resume tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. between Local 72 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing 34 striking hydro workers, and North Bay Hydro management. The workers have been on strike since July 4th.

“We will be doing everything we can to reach a settlement,” says CUPE Local 72 president Ken Hull. “But that will depend on the attitude management brings to the table. So far they have refused every solution we have put forward to end the strike.”

North Bay Hydro management has repeatedly refused the union’s offer to send outstanding issues to binding arbitration by a neutral, third party.

“We are not fighting for anything new,” says Hull. “We’re trying to retain benefits for retirees we’ve counted on for decades – it’s disgusting for the new board of North Bay Hydro to try and roll back benefits when members have planned their retirements knowing they could count on these benefits.”

“Hydro workers are often injured on the job and because of the physical demands of their jobs, they often suffer from work-related health problems long after they retire,” says CUPE National Representative Jo-Ann Breton.

“We want to thank the people of North Bay for the support we’ve received during this difficult time,” says Breton. “Your calls to local councillors and the mayor have made them take notice – let’s hope they direct hydro management to do what it takes to reach a fair settlement tomorrow. If not, we’ll hold them accountable.” All councillors, including the mayor, sit on the board of the Holding Company (Holdco) that oversees North Bay Hydro, holding a clear majority.

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Jo-Ann Breton, CUPE National Representative
705-474-9765 - 705-363-8441 (cell)
Ken Hull, Local 72 President
705-472-1054
Robert Lamoureux, CUPE Communications
416-292-3999