Garbage strike looms in Ottawa unless waste company drops clawbacks, says union
Posted Jul 15, 2010 By EMC News
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Tweet ThisEMC News - Businesses, light industry, apartment and condominium residents could face disruptions to garbage collection in as little as 10 days unless the company contracted to provide the service presents a serious contract offer, warned Dan Sauve, president, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Local 1338.
On July 6, members of Local 1338, representing 65 waste haulers and landfill employees voted more than 95 per cent in favour of taking job action, if necessary, to push back crippling benefit clawbacks proposed by their employer, Waste Management Canada.
"Our members do not want to go on strike, but they sent a clear message yesterday to the employer that they will not turn their backs on decades worth of collective bargaining that helps them provide for their families now, and in their retirement years," said Sauve.
The union sent a letter today to local businesses and industries in Ottawa, Kanata, West Carleton, Stittsville, Gloucester, Rideau and other area communities warning them of the potential impact of a labour dispute and encouraging them to have contingency plans in place.
"We understand that people may be inconvenienced in the event of a work stoppage, and we felt it was important to let those who could be affected know the current state of negotiations so they could be prepared," said Sauve.
However, given the employer's insistence on putting forward major concessions to short- and long-term disability plans, as well as dental and drug benefits, he added that it didn't appear Waste Management was serious about negotiations.
"For a profitable corporation like Waste Management to try to strip workers - many of whom are nearing retirement - of disability plans that allow them to provide for their families when they are sick or injured is beyond the pale," said Sauve.
He added that the union remains committed to reaching a negotiated settlement and is available to bargain at any time over the next two-and-a-half weeks.
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