The lead negotiator for the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) in its ongoing contract talks with the City of Greater Sudbury has been felled by a heart attack.
CUPE staff representative Dennis Burke suffered the non-fatal attack early last week during a meeting of the union?s bargaining committee. Without the hasty intervention of a paramedic member of the bargaining team, Burke?s, outcome might have been far worse, according to a union source present for the incident.
Burke was released from hospital late last week, and is reported to be recovering at home. He has been replaced at the bargaining table by longtime CUPE staff supervisor and Sudbury community activist René Fortin.
The city and union representing inside and outside workers have been trying to hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement since early in the new year.
Money and job security are key issues along with benefit coverage, grievance procedures, hours or work and seniority.
Inside workers include transit employees, health and welfare workers, parks and pool personnel, secretarial staff and engineering. Outside staff include arena and plant personnel and public works employees.
Talks between the union and the city continue.
- Mick Lowe
