Move would start countdown to strike or lockout: CUPE
Municipal workers in Cornwall asked an Ontario ministry of labour conciliation officer to issue a “no-board report,” which will trigger a strike/lockout deadline once issued, according to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
The April 25 request came after two recent conciliation dates failed to produce an agreement between the parties, said the union.
The workers — who are represented by CUPE 234, CUPE 3251-01 and CUPE 5734 — work for the City in outside jobs, as well as at the library and as paramedics. Inside workers — represented by CUPE 3251 — are awaiting a reply from the employer on a proposal from the last conciliation date, said the union.
Members of CUPE 1792 — who work at long-term care home Glen Stor Dun Lodge — have also requested a ‘no-board’ report, but as they do not have the right to strike, their issues will be resolved by interest arbitration, according to CUPE.
“Talks so far have been completely fruitless and it’s time to get things moving,” said Alison Denis CUPE National Representative.
The workers have been without a contract since 2015 (in the case of the library) and 2016 (in the case of the others).
Paramedics’ right to strike is partially limited by an essential services agreement between the parties, which is a requirement of the Ambulance Services Collective Bargaining Act. Under the agreement signed between CUPE and the City of Cornwall, only three cars of the regular complement of nine would be on the road in a strike or lockout situation, said CUPE.
The Ministry of Labour will issue the no‑board report in the coming days, with a strike or lockout deadline expected to be set around mid‑May, said the union.