CORNWALL, Ontario – The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) announced that some of its local councils in Cornwall representing municipal workers could be on strike as soon as May 23.
“The Ministry of Labour now has issued a “no-board report” for CUPE Local 3251, representing inside workers at the City of Cornwall,” the CUPE statement reads. “A strike or lockout deadline is now set for them at 12:01 a.m., May 23rd, following the May 17th deadline for paramedics, outside workers and library workers.”
Due to their essential service agreements, paramedics cannot fully strike, but instead would work on a reduced rate, with only three cars on the road covering the Cornwall area instead of the usual nine.
“Inside workers have reached the same impasse faced by all other city workers,” said Keith Sandford, CUPE National Representative. “We need to see some movement at the bargaining table if we are going to avoid a city-wide work stoppage. We’re ready to work hard in negotiations, but we’re also preparing for a strike as necessary.”
Possible strike workers include inside workers in water and wastewater, bylaw officers, building inspectors, child care workers, in social services, in the finance department, and more.
