The City of Prince Albert has refused requests to return to the bargaining table since the end of July. As a result, CUPE 882 members will be exercising their rights for a full withdrawal of services.
“This is the first CUPE job action in over 12 years in Saskatchewan, and the first strike in CUPE 882’s 70-year history,” said Cara Stelmaschuk, Vice President of CUPE 882. “It is unbelievable that the city has refused to meet with us to negotiate a fair deal.”
CUPE 882 members have twice rejected the city’s offer of 11% over four years. The union’s latest offer to settle significantly reduced the costs associated with a collective agreement and included a four-year settlement with a 12% wage increase.
“Based on the city’s costing, an additional 1% wage increase would cost the city an additional $48,000. We aren’t talking about massive increase – we are talking about a 1% raise for the lowest paid city workers,” added Stelmaschuk. “At the last City Council meeting, Council spent more money on legal fees for the Golf and Curling Club than it would take to reach an agreement with our local.”
The strike may affect city services and programming at City Hall, EA Rawlinson Centre For The Arts, Frank Dunn Pool, Alfred Jenkins Field House, and the Art Hauser Centre.
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