BLACK RIVER-MATHESON - Matheson’s new council is getting a glimpse of the financial impact of a lengthy labour dispute.
While the report was received by the council members at the Sept. 10 meeting, members did not talk about it. It shows the township saved over $200,000 during the seven-month-long dispute.
The overall spending during the dispute was $1.4 million, compared to $1.6 million in a typical operating year, which staff used 2022 as the benchmark for.
The township saved over $100,000 on administration, with costs totalling $94,220 for 2023 and 2024.
Savings amounted to over $30,000 for public works, with total costs during the dispute being $1.27 million.
Utility expenses increased by approximately $3,500, bringing the total spent to $15,491.
Costs were reduced by over $12,300 for waste management, with $9,503 being spent overall.
The township saved nearly $55,000 in recreation, for a total spending of $20,789.
The report notes that delays in receiving legal invoices might mean the bargaining expenses reported are underestimated.
The labour dispute began in October 2023 when the township locked out CUPE Local 1490 members. When the lockout ended in January, the workers went on strike.
The dispute was resolved on May 23, 2024, when CUPE members ratified a new collective agreement with a vote of 12-3. The new agreement extends through March 31, 2027.
SEE: Matheson staffers back at work after 7-month labour dispute
Since the settlement, four union employees have resigned, with three new hires made to fill these positions.
