Matheson staffers back at work after 7-month labour dispute

BLACK RIVER-MATHESON - After months of being off the job, Matheson staff were back at work Monday (June 3).

After the township and workers reached an agreement recently, the CUPE members who had been off the job for over seven months put down the strike signs and returned to work.

A joint statement from the township and union was released Monday noting that the CUPE Local 1490 members are celebrating the agreement and the end of the strike.

“This agreement makes good gains for our members, and we look forward to getting back to work and serving our community,” said Serge Bouchard, president of CUPE Local 1490 in the news release.

On May 23, CUPE Local 1490 workers reached an agreement with Black River-Matheson voting 12-3 with 15 out of the 16 striking members participating in the vote.

The ongoing labour dispute started in October 2023 when the township locked out CUPE members. The members went on strike when the township ended the lockout in January. 

The new collective agreement runs to March 31, 2027.

“It addresses the wage demands of the union. Members of CUPE 1490 will see wage increases of 14 per cent over four years. It implements other changes both sides proposed and ultimately agreed upon,” the statement reads.

In the joint statement, provincial appointee Kathy Horgan — who is making council decisions until new members are elected in August — said the township is pleased the strike has come to and end.

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The township and workers have agreed that workers' alleged conduct during the labour dispute won't be held against them.

“Everyone returns to work with a clean slate,” the statement reads.

“The mutually agreed upon goal is to concentrate on providing good service to the community in a positive work setting. Both sides have committed to achieving this goal.”