PORT PERRY, Ont. – Township of Scugog municipal workers have the highest regard and respect for Canadian soldiers and their families and support lowering the Canadian flag to honour soldiers killed in the line of duty.
“We would never do anything to take away from honouring those who died in the service of our country”, said Liz Drebitt, the Unit Chair of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1785-01 in announcing that CUPE is withdrawing a grievance filed after a Scugog councillor did the work of the municipal bargaining unit by lowering the township’s cenotaph flag.
“It’s very unfortunate that what is basically a technical administrative issue in a workplace is being confused with honouring our fallen soldiers. And it goes against our principles and deep appreciation for our Canadian soldiers to dishonour them in any way,” said Drebitt.
This is why after meeting to discuss the issue the union has decided to withdraw the grievance.
The scope of work of front line Scugog municipal workers is clearly defined in the collective agreement. Recently management has attempted to sidestep the labour relations processes and has not communicated on this issue with the union.
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Stella Yeadon, CUPE Communications (416) 578-8774
James Chai, CUPE Communications (416) 458-3983