Outside workers in the town of Oakville, Ontario remain on strike Monday after weekend talks ended with no deal.
“The sides met on Friday afternoon and we remained at the table until 1:30 in the morning, when the employer went home. There were further discussions by email on the weekend, but the Town of Oakville declared an impasse on Sunday evening and ended discussions, leaving us with no choice but to remain on strike,” said Peter Knafelc, president of CUPE 136.
The strike began on Thursday, November 2, after the Town of Oakville filed for a “no board,” setting the clock ticking on a strike deadline. Despite taking that dramatic action, the town ran out the clock without offering bargaining dates.
“It’s shameful. We couldn’t get the town to come back to the table without going on strike,” said Knafelc. “Despite that, we remain hopeful that the employer will return to the bargaining table ready to come to an agreement. We’re grateful for all the messages of support we’re receiving from the community and look forward to getting back to doing the work we love in the community we love. We regret the inconvenience the strike is having on Oakville residents and encourage folks to contact their councillors to tell them they want the Town to settle this dispute fairly and quickly,” he said.