Wages the main outstanding issue: Union
The city of Mount Pearl, N.L., locked out its municipal workers on Sept. 29.
Garbage and recycling collection were disrupted while recreational programs and events have been suspended. The Reid Community Centre, swimming pool and Kenmount Park Community Centre are closed.
Many of the 140 employees — represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 2099 — protested the city’s latest and reportedly “final” offer before being locked out. The union reports wages are the main outstanding issue in negotiations.
“Mount Pearl residents need to understand that we were more than ready to go back to the table, but the city appears to have other plans,” said CUPE Local 2099 president Bob Martin. “I want to emphasize, this is not a work stoppage, as the mayor has been saying. This is a lockout. The mayor and senior managers have basically shut the city down.”
The union reports there has been no movement towards resolution.
