BROCKVILLE, Ont. – Municipal workers at the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal voted 100 per cent in favour of a strike, if a fair deal is not reached with their employer. The workers, members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), are fighting against their employer’s concession demands.
“Our members work hard for residents, and we can’t accept concessions that will take us backwards,” said Wayne Lefebvre, president of CUPE 2311.02. “Our members are standing together to achieve a fair contract without any rollbacks.” The Township wants to change contract language that will affect working conditions.
“Bargaining has been frustrating because of a lack of respect for our members,” said Lefebvre. “We urge council and management to come to conciliation talks with a respectful attitude that will help resolve the outstanding bargaining issues, otherwise we have no choice but to go on strike to win respect and a fair contract.” No dates have been scheduled for conciliation talks.
The 15 municipal workers provide services in public works, equipment operations and parks and arenas. Their last contract expired on December 31, 2006. Other outstanding bargaining issues include wages and job security language.
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For further information, please contact:
Wayne Lefebvre, President CUPE 2311.02, 613-802-2006
Donna Carlaw, CUPE National Representative, 905-373-5002
James Chai, CUPE Communications, 416-292-3999