After the CUPE filed for a judicial review to the Superior Court of Justice of the Township of Black River-Matheson, the Township’s attempt at framing striking workers as intimidating is an intentional attempt to distract and misinform, says CUPE 1490.
“I can’t tell you how disappointing it is to not only be threatened with criminalization – but to also be framed as intimidating anybody when all we’re doing is exercising our right to strike,” said Serge Bouchard, president of CUPE 1490. “This is all just a desperate attempt to attack our characters – but it won’t work.”
In a letter to residents issued by Chris Wray, the Chief Administrative Officer; Cassandra Child, the Clerk-Treasurer; and James Mousseau, the Director of Infrastructure, they write, “The intimidation and harassment from some in the union toward the Townships staff is unacceptable and improper. We are asking CUPE members to stop with these practices and agenda coming from Toronto and beyond”.
“These are sweeping and baseless allegations, and, frankly, I’m not even sure what they’re referring to,” said Bouchard. “And just as we have a right to strike and to picket, CUPE members from across the province, and even the country, have a right to join us. This is a tried and tested way to show solidarity and support.”
This development comes on the heels of CUPE’s legal application, which was served to the municipality on March 12. The Superior Court of Justice is now tasked with determining whether, among other things, the municipality’s trespass notice, which applies to all CUPE members and staff across Canada, violates the Charter-protected rights of CUPE members and employees.