NEW GLASGOW, NS – Vocational workers employed by Summer Street Industries in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, are one step closer to a possible strike after conciliation talks with the Department of Labour broke off last night.
CUPE National Representative Wayne Thomas says, “While we did make some progress on some of the monetary items, we are still far apart on what I would describe as workplace democracy items, such as job postings, promotions and so on.
“We have asked the Conciliation Officer to file his report with the Minister of Labour, informing her that the two parties have been unable to reach a negotiated settlement. Once that report is filed, likely early next week, the clock will start ticking toward a strike deadline.”
Says Thomas, “I anticipate we will be in a strike position before Thanksgiving. I want to emphasize, however, that our goal continues to be avoiding a disruption in service.”
Summer Street is a sheltered workshop for adults with intellectual disabilities.
For more information:
Wayne Thomas
CUPE National Representative
(902) 752-2244
John McCracken
CUPE Communications Representative
(902) 455-4180