After practically two days of aggressive bargaining, the union representing greater than 300 full-time employees for the City of Whitby says there’s nonetheless no deal for its members. And now CUPE Native 53 president Rob Radford says the city is taking a look at hiring alternative employees to fill the gaps for an upcoming hockey match.
“They’ve asked the employees, proposed to have the employees come in at almost double the wage of what our part-time staff are making,” Radford stated.
“And to be a scab, crossing a picket line in the same breath, it’s just not acceptable.”
Radford says they have been hopeful heading into the most recent talks — however after hours of forwards and backwards, it simply wasn’t taking place.
“We made a proposal to the measures that we thought was going to break the deadlock.
It was unsuccessful,” Radford stated.
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For employees like Greg French, who’s been working at Iroquois Park Sports activities Advanced for years, it’s a success to morale.
“It’s insulting. It’s demeaning to the jobs we do. Really, it shows the focus of the corporation isn’t on solutions.”
The roadblock to decision continues to be scheduling and for CUPE members to maintain their capability to veto schedule modifications.
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However the City of Whitby has since requested for extra energy with scheduling because it will increase providers.
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In an announcement, Whitby CAO Matt Gaskell says they imagine they made a good supply within the newest deal.
“Our latest offer made changes to ensure zero impact on current employees, along with increasing annual personal days by one,” Gaskell stated.
The supply nonetheless on the desk features a 9.5 per cent improve, together with shift premiums and profit enhancements. Gaskell says the most recent supply additionally tried to deal with the issues of work-life stability.
“Respecting CUPE’s concerns regarding work life balance, we also increased the number of annual personal days that an employee can take from three to four. Personal days can be used by staff to attend medical appointments, specialist appointments, and others,” he stated.
City officers have maintained they’re able to discover a path ahead, however insist they want the power to workers their packages and providers to work for his or her residents.
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However CUPE says that’s the issue with the scheduling change request. Radford says it could surrender one thing they’ve fought years to maintain for his or her members.
“We’ve worked for decades to provide a schedule that meets the needs of our employees and allows them to have a work-life balance,” Radford stated.
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It’s been three lengthy weeks for employees like Jean Herold, who works within the fleet components administration division. She says though it received’t have an effect on her, she believes it’s a downward spiral.
“I know they want to change the schedules of eight of my workers as far as hours.
I think once they have a hold on us, who knows what it’s going to lead to,” Herold stated.
The city’s CAO says they’re now pressured to stability the wants of the neighborhood and plan to develop providers, together with contracted snow removing and reopening arenas step by step.
A second rubbish drop-off website was opened on Friday, changing the McKinney Area location. Officers say they’re persevering with to deal with working the city operations, together with vacation occasions developing.
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In the meantime, workers members like Herold say they’re in it for the lengthy haul, regardless of how chilly it will get.
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When requested, “We’re going to see barrels of fire aren’t we?”
“Exactly, and pots of chili too,” she stated.
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