CUPE members ask City to get back to the table

QUESNEL–CUPE 1050 members turned down the City of Quesnel’s final offer with a resounding ‘no’ vote. The Labour Relations Board announced the result of the vote this afternoon.

“Municipal workers turned down the initial offer and instead of being willing to negotiate and work things out, the City forced a vote on the exact same contract that had been rejected,” said CUPE 1050 acting president Curtis Galbraith.

The City’s final offer was for zero per cent in the first year, one per cent in year two, and two per cent in the final year of the three-year contract. The bargaining team representing municipal workers is calling on the City to work towards an agreement that is appropriate and fair to workers providing services in Quesnel.

“We want to do whatever it takes to continue providing services to Quesnel residents,” said Galbraith.

The City had applied to the Labour Relations Board for the final offer vote following a vote by Council approving a lock-out.

CUPE 1050 represents 114 municipal workers in Quesnel who provide garbage collection, water and sewer services, and services at the arena, municipal works yard, and District Office. Talks broke off May 26 and they have been working without a contract since June.

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