As the strike between the inside city workers and the City made its way into week seven, talks have broke off.
CUPE Local 101 says management introduced new amendments to the collective agreement Monday morning that they never saw before.
The Union’s President, Shelley Navarroli, says it’s a disappointment.
“We are very disappointed to say the least that the city still has no intention to settle this strike. Instead of finding common ground for a tentative agreement, the city is escalating the situation by introducing new elements at this stage of the strike – it seems designed to make things go from bad to worse.”
CUPE Local 101 says they had intentions to get the strike settled. Significant moves were made Friday. Although, Navarroli says the City replied back to them with “a position much worse than can be expected.”
“Our bargaining committee made significant moves on the outstanding issues in an attempt to reach a settlement even though the city has yet to produce a business plan to support any demonstrated need for the changes they are asking for,” said Navarroli. “It is very clear the city does not want to see an end to this strike but seems more interested in provoking and escalating the dispute,” Navarroli said.
The City has said previous times that they’re offering a fair contract that includes wage increases each year.
CUPE Local 101 says they’re currently considering all options that includes legal action.
They say they’re open for more discussions if the City is sincere in solving this strike.
The workers first walked off the job on May 25th.
