Unions Try To Cook Up Support As Both Sides Dig In Heels
Posted July 9, 2009 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Thursday marked Day 18 and counting in the municipal workers’ strike.
And the word from politicians coming out of a closed-door meeting at City Hall is that we may be counting for a while.
“Staff presented the demands of the union and the City’s position. And it is obvious that we’re very, very far apart and this is going to be a long, hot summer,” stressed Councillor Case Ootes. “We’re nowhere near getting agreement on a whole host of things.”
Councillors got an update on contract talks on Wednesday afternoon. They hinted negotiators have been given a little more leeway, but remain adamant that the City doesn’t have much more money to give.
Meanwhile, the heads of CUPE Locals 416 and 79 along with striking civic employees and members of the United Steelworkers held a solidarity barbecue at Nathan Phillips Square to rally the troops.
“Where does it stop for workers?” asked USW devotee Abdul. “It’s not easy to give up something that you fought for years and years just to make a small gain.”
“We’re obviously quite discouraged,” admitted Local 416 Pres. Mark Ferguson. “The strike did not have to happen.”
Although the unions say talks are at an impasse, Mayor David Miller isn’t pressing for back-to-work legislation. Instead, he’s holding out for a negotiated settlement.
