MISSISSIPPI MILLS, Ont. – Roads maintenance, parks, recreation and arena workers with the Town of Mississippi Mills, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), are hoping conciliation talks scheduled for February 16th will help reach a settlement and avert a strike that would affect snow ploughing and other important services.
“The Town is trying to change contract provisions in a way that would hurt our members,” said Trevor Robertson, president of CUPE 4277. “The changes they are proposing for our banked hours system would also cost taxpayers more money.”
At issue is a proposal by management to force workers to have overtime hours paid out, instead of taking time off in lieu during off-peak seasons. Management is also rejecting shift premiums for parks and recreation workers on late shifts.
“We have no short-term disability provisions and only nine days of sick leave per year, with no carry-over,” said Robertson. “That means if one of our members is sick and needs more time to recuperate, the banked hours system provides some relief. The Town can’t take that away without addressing our inferior sick leave plan and the lack of a short-term disability plan.” The workers also earn less than their counterparts in surrounding municipalities.
“We will do our best to reach a settlement in conciliation,” said Robertson. “The reality is, if management doesn’t make an effort to address our concerns, we will be facing a strike. That’s why we urge residents to contact the mayor and councillors, to urge them to get involved and do what it takes to reach a settlement and prevent a strike.”
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For further information, please contact:
Andy Mele
CUPE National Representative
613-237-0115
Robert Lamoureux
CUPE Communications
416-292-3999
