Striking CUPE workers in Saint John reject city’s offer

In a mass membership vote held Sunday afternoon, October 1, CUPE Local 486, representing the inside workers of the city of Saint John, overwhelmingly rejected the latest offer presented by the city. The offer still included wages that fell significantly below inflation and the city’s Wage Escalation Policy.

“The members of Local 486 have spoken loudly and clearly by rejecting the City’s proposal, emphasizing their need to secure a fair deal,” said Brittany Doyle, President of CUPE Local 486. The union will be issuing a revised counterproposal to the city later today, October 2.

” As Council convenes this Tuesday, we hope our new counterproposal will be voted on and accepted by the Mayor and Council,” said Doyle. “The bargaining team has moved from its demand on the cost of living, and we are willing to accept the wage escalation policy numbers,” she added. “We respectfully ask the Mayor and Council to take a clear position and work towards a fair resolution to end this strike,” said Doyle.

Local 486 members hope city council will recognize the urgent need for a swift resolution to the ongoing labour dispute which began on September 12.

“We are grateful for the solidarity of the public and the resolve shown by our members during this challenging time,” concluded Doyle.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is the largest union in New Brunswick, representing 28,000 members in the province. CUPE is also the largest union in Canada, with 700,000 members across the country.