85% reject contract offer

In a move that was not a surprise Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 500 voted overwhelmingly to reject the contract offer from the City of Winnipeg.

CUPE Local 500 represents more than 5000 city workers across multiple city departments.

Union officials recommended to the members before the vote that they reject the offer.

Although the vote gives the union a strike mandate it doesn’t necessarily mean a strike is going to happen anytime soon. 

The union says that they are hoping to get back to the bargaining table in short order.

Upon hearing the result of the vote the City of Winnipeg issued a media release stating they wanted to clarify some misinformation on the part of  the union.

“While the result of the vote is disappointing, the City remains committed to finding a solution that is fair and reasonable to all parties, including Winnipeg taxpayers,” said Michael Jack, Chief Corporate Services Officer. “We are acutely aware of the financial burden that labour costs place on taxpayers, and the historic wage increases are no longer affordable.”

According to the city they believe that they presented CUPE members with a fair and reasonable offer that takes into consideration the City’s current financial situation.

The city says that in the event of a strike essential services like police, fire, paramedics, transit and garbage removal would continue. Non-essential services would either be reduced or closed until the strike was over.

-News4 Staff-

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