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WHISTLER When Whistler municipal workers got up to speak during public question period at last nights council meeting, Chair Mayor OReilly did the unthinkable he denied them an opportunity to speak.

We knew our employer was anti-union, but we didnt want to accept that some members on council could also be anti-democratic, said CUPE 2010 President, Pete Davidson, who has been a water operator for Whistler for over 12 years, as well as a taxpayer, resident and volunteer firefighter.

The municipal workers, who are currently engaged in a work-to-rule campaign over employer demands to rollback their benefits and eliminate set hours and schedules of work, came to council to describe the negative impact the labour dispute has already had on residents of Whistler and to ask council to urge their staff to get back to the bargaining table.

Its ironic that the home of the Olympics in 2010 lacks the democratic traditions established in ancient Greece over two thousand years ago, says Davidson. Its a real embarrassment for Whistler.

Mayor and council should remember who elects them, says Davidson. If they dont remember it now, well have to remind them in November.

CUPE 2010 represents Whistlers water, wastewater, utilities workers and by-law officers.

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Contact: Pete Davidson, CUPE 2010 president (604) 935-8603 or Diane Kalen, CUPE Communications (778) 229-0258.