(File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Strike Update

City of P.A. rejects claims by CUPE for halting vote to end strike for inside workers

Oct 2, 2023 | 9:55 AM

The City of Prince Albert is upset with CUPE 882 leadership decision to halt a ratification vote which would have ended the strike for inside workers.

Members were set to vote on a new deal on Friday, however, it was paused with any ballots already cast being destroyed after the union said they were told by the city’s negotiating team earlier that day there would be a number of technological, structural, and organizational changes moving forward.

Kiley Bear, the Director of Corporate Services for the city, explained the only change would be the creation of a call centre, something they claim they had shared with CUPE.

“We heard positive feedback from the public and administration about the efficiencies of addressing calls this way. The change includes relocating four clerk steno positions in City Hall to a central location within City Hall to continue to answer calls using a system that has been used by the City for two years,” said Kiley Bear, Director of Corporate Services.

She added there would be no changes to salaries or hours of work, while no member would lose their job.

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Bear also noted the change does not meet the criteria for why CUPE’s leadership explained they were halting the vote under the Saskatchewan Employment Act. In a statement from the union, they stated that any changes to a significant number of employees must be shared through a written notice adding this never happened.

Bear added the call centre would impact four employees, while CUPE 882’s membership is at 218. This would put the percentage of impacted workers at under two per cent.

“We are dismayed by the decision of the Union Executive,” added Bear. “Unfortunately, our employees are unable to return to work and are left to grapple with the last-minute decision to destroy their ballots.”

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow