Town of Ponoka, Alta., workers vote in favour of strike

More than 60 employees eligible to walk off jobs: AUPE

Town of Ponoka, Alta., workers vote in favour of strike
AUPE represents more than 60 members who work for the Town of Ponoka. GOOGLE STREET VIEW

Town of Ponoka, Alta., workers represented by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) voted in favour of strike action at a vote held in the town on June 13.

“These members, who work and live in the community, keep utilities operating, water flowing, offices humming, and neighbourhoods in Ponoka vibrant and exciting,” said Karen Weiers, AUPE vice-president. “They deserve a fair collective agreement that values and respects the important work they do every day for the community of Ponoka.”

The strike vote was held after Ponoka town council failed to approve an agreement reached by AUPE and town administration in May with the help of an independent third-party mediator, said the union.

“We shook hands on a fair agreement with the town administration only to have it struck down by mayor and council, which was a first,” said Weiers.

Weiers added that the agreement would give workers the same days off currently enjoyed by mayor and town council.

“Our goal is to reach an agreement at the bargaining table,” said Weiers. “A strike is always the last resort, but we’ve been forced into this situation because of the actions of town council.”

The Town of Ponoka staff represented by AUPE are now in a position to serve 72-hours’ strike notice. The option to serve strike notice will remain valid for 120 days, said the union.

AUPE represents more than 60 members who work for the Town of Ponoka.

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