MATHESON - Striking workers are getting a little support for a rally this afternoon (March 12).
Members of CUPE Local 1490 will be joined by various unions including the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) who helped organize the event.
The rally is for the ongoing labour dispute between the union and Township of Black River-Matheson. Fourteen CUPE members were locked out by the township in October. The members went on strike when the township ended the lockout in January.
The rally, which is happening on the union’s 150th day on the picket line, is from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 410 Fourth Ave. in Matheson.
The township announced this morning that town hall is closed for the day and will reopen tomorrow (March 13).
Tammy Robinson, a spokesperson for CUPE Local 1490, said the rally is to encourage the town to return to the bargaining table “and begin to foster a positive working relationship to rebuild the fractured relationship.”
“Thank you to the the other CUPE locals, union locals, and most importantly the community,” she said.
Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus shared the flyer for today's event on Facebook, noting that he will be attending.
"Asking people to attend this important rally for municipal workers who have been locked out of their jobs in Black River-Matheson," he wrote.
"They are good people and committed to their town. They deserve better."
