The mayor of Belleville is reacting to a strike vote by the city’s unionized CUPE workers, which could see them walk off the job later this month.
Members of CUPE 907, which represents more than 200 inside and outside staff, asked the Ministry of Labour for a no-board report last week, triggering a countdown to February 22 when the union could begin a strike, or the city could lock workers out.
Following Monday night’s council meeting, Mayor Mitch Panciuk told Quinte News, negotiations continue with those workers in the hopes of reaching a deal.
“Our focus is to get a negotiated settlement. But at the same time, I’m not going to go into the offers that are going back-and-forth, except to say that we’re looking to achieve an agreement that’s fair to both our employees and Belleville taxpayers, and recognizes the financial reality we’re in in a COVID time.”
The impacted workers include building inspectors, payroll and permit clerks, office staff, parks and rec workers, roads and maintenance staff, and others.
The two sides are scheduled to meet next on February 18.
