Preparations are underway at Greater Sudbury in the event of a strike or lockout by the 1,500 members of CUPE Local 4705, who have been without a contract since March.
While both sides are saying little about the issues or the likelihood of an agreement, the labour negotiations are a hot off-the-record topic, with many staffers and managers privately expressing concern.
Sudbury.com has been told by multiple sources that managers are receiving training in certain areas – such as water and sewer – in the event they have to take over. And CUPE is reportedly making preparations for a work stoppage, such as ordering signs.
CUPE President Darryl Taylor didn't return calls Thursday seeking comment, but in a June 6 post on the union's website, Taylor said the talks weren't going well.
“On May 20, we requested that the Ministry of Labour appoint a conciliator in an effort to resolve our impasse with the City of Greater Sudbury,” the post said.
“Today we can advise that a conciliator has been appointed, and that your bargaining teams will be meeting with the conciliator and the employer on June 15 and 16.
“To be clear once again, no one wants a strike or a lockout. We know that every single member takes pride in the important public services that they provide, and it remains our position that a labour dispute is completely unnecessary and completely avoidable.”
In an email, city communications manager Eliza Bennett confirmed next week's talks.
“We are looking forward to constructive and productive talks, and are hopeful that a deal will be reached,” Bennett said.
The appointment of a conciliator is one of the steps required before the union is in a legal strike position. The next step would be for the Minister of Labour to issue what's called a “no board report,” which is a formal recognition that conciliation has failed.
After that, both sides can agree to use a provincially appointed mediator to try and break the deadlock. The union is in a legal strike position no earlier than 17 days after a no board report is issued.
Agreements between cities and CUPE locals in 2016:
- February, CUPE Local 416, representing about 6,000 outside workers in Toronto: Four-year deal, five per cent wage hike over the life of the contract, a 0.25 per cent bonus in January 2019.
- March, CUPE Local 79, representing 20,000 inside workers in Toronto: Four-year deal, five per cent wage hike over four years.
- April, CUPE Locals 241, 973 and 1946, representing office and outside workers in Guelph, four-year deal, 1.5 per cent wage increase this year and 2017, 1.6 per cent in 2018 and 2019.
- May, CUPE Local 855, representing 500 workers in Kawartha Lakes, signed a four-year deal with a wage increase of 1.5 per cent each year.
