MATHESON - After 95 days of being locked out, CUPE Local 1490 members are being put into a forced vote by Black River-Matheson.
Tom Pullen, a public works equipment operator and a member of the bargaining committee, told TimminsToday that the town has forced a vote on them, which will begin tomorrow (Jan. 18) around noon and last for about 24 hours.
“They’re forcing a vote on us I guess to see where we’re at. Maybe they think some of our membership is going to accept it. I'm guessing that would be the reason, but I don't really understand why they’re doing this,” Pullen said.
“We’re going to see it through and see where we stand after this week and we’ll keep going it after next week and get where we want to be.”
The township and CUPE Local 1490 members have been negotiating a new contract since March and the parties were in legal position for a strike or lockout at on Oct. 15., which ultimately resulted in a lockout.
Fourteen full-time municipal workers are affected by the labour dispute.
The key issue highlighted by the municipal workers is wage improvements due to the ongoing increases in the costs of living in northern communities.
“This forced vote is not okay,” Pullen said. “Especially considering the times that we’re going through. Everything is going up, not down.”
Pullen said the results of the vote should be determined by Friday.
Following their last meeting with the town on Dec. 18, Pullen said the progress they had made has regressed. He said a few emails were exchanged where a decision was made to move the percentage between the steps on the grid from two per cent to four per cent.
SEE: No Christmas miracle for Matheson CUPE lockout
“Which lowers the starting rate by over two dollars. So, it’s gone backwards,” he said.
TimminsToday reached out to the town but didn’t receive a response. The article will be updated if the town comments.
