MATHESON - There could be an end in sight for the CUPE Local 1490 lockout.
The union’s bargaining committee met with Black River-Matheson township yesterday (Dec. 13) but did not negotiate a deal. However, Tom Pullen, a public works equipment operator and a member of the bargaining committee, said they’re meeting with the town again on Monday.
Fourteen full-time municipal workers who are CUPE Local 1490 members are affected by the labour dispute, which has seen them locked out by the municipality since mid-October. While the two sides have reached agreements on some items, a two-tiered wage system is still the union members’ main concern.
Pullen told TimminsToday that the meeting, which lasted a few hours, went well, they just ran out of time.
“Not saying it would have gotten anything done or whatever regardless, but that's kind of how it ended,” he said.
“But we made some progress with it. We obviously didn't get to where we want to be because we're still sitting here, but it went well and we're set to go back to the table.”
Pullen said he hopes that at next week’s meeting that they get things resolved.
“There was really good dialogue going back and forth there and just trying to work things out together. So, there’s movement right now and it’s intriguing,” he said.
“Hopefully next time we have some really good news and we'll be able to get back out there and help out the community."
