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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

City, biggest union going back to table in bid to avert strike

By: Bartley Kives

Posted: 02/18/2011 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

The City of Winnipeg and its largest union both say they hope to return to the bargaining table in an effort to settle a contract dispute that's nontheless headed toward a strike vote today.

Approximately 4,660 members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 500 are eligible to take part in today's vote, which is expected to give union negotiators a strike mandate.

The additional leverage, however, does not guarantee an actual strike, as it is common for unions and employers to work out contracts following a strike mandate.

As well, both the city and CUPE used conciliatory language on Thursday to characterize their dispute. Talks between the two sides broke off last week, when CUPE brass deemed a four-year city contract offer unacceptable.

"We hopefully will be able to come back to the table," said Linda Black, director of corporate support services, the city department responsible for labour negotiations.

"We hope to be back at the table. We would rather be bargaining right now," echoed Mike Davidson, CUPE 500's president.

The city said it has presented CUPE with a contract that includes improvements to benefits, more training, wage increases and the extension of a no-layoff clause already in place. Sources on both sides say the four-year contract offer includes a two-year wage freeze, followed by two annual two-per-cent wage increases.

Black was careful to describe the proposed contract as "the latest city offer," not a final offer. Davidson said he found that language interesting.

Both said they want the public to know an actual strike is not inevitable and pledged to work out their differences. They also said in the event of a strike, the city and CUPE would work out an essential services agreement tO ensure CUPE members with flood-fighting responsibilities stay on the job.

CUPE workers include public works, water and waste and 311 phone line employees.

"We're trying to reassure the public if there is a strike situation, we are prepared," Black said.

"If there's going to be a spring flood, we will be there, working arm and arm with the citizens of Winnipeg," added Davidson.

On Wednesday, acting chief administrative officer Mike Ruta sent CUPE members an e-mail, urging them to review contract details before they vote today. On Thursday, the union held two information sessions about the city offer at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

The city will allow CUPE members time to vote on the contract today, Black said.

The results should be known before 8 p.m. tonight, Davidson said.

The last time a city union went on strike was 1976, when transit workers walked. Another transit strike was narrowly averted in 2008.

bartley.kives@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 18, 2011 A10

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