OXFORD COUNTY, ON Oxford County Board of Health workers, represented by Local 1146 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), voted unanimously last night in favour of strike action to fight back concession demands from County management.
Managements laundry list of concessions will never be accepted by our members, said Linda Thurston-Neeley, CUPE national representative. A unanimous vote clearly indicates that our members are fed up with managements bullying tactics, and were ready to fight for fairness and respect. Members also voted 100% to reject the employers last offer in conciliation on February 3rd.
Concession demands include cuts to health benefits, holidays and long-term disability. The 28 workers provide health inspection and promotion, and administrative services in Oxford County. Conciliation talks have been scheduled for March 7th to try and avert a strike.
Management should abandon their list of concessions and take negotiations more seriously now that we have such a solid strike mandate, said Thurston-Neeley. We love working for the people of Oxford County, but we cannot accept cutbacks that will hurt our families.
County management is also seeking concessions from roads workers in their contract talks. The 36 workers, represented by CUPE Local 1589, provide road maintenance and landfill operations in the county.
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For further information, please contact:
Linda Thurston-Neeley, CUPE National Rep. Local 1146 - 519-743-7781
Mike Dunn, CUPE National Rep. Local 1589 - 519-743-7781
James Chai, CUPE Communications - 416-292-3999