By Chris StedileCastlegar News
Almost one month has passed since CUPE 2262 began their strike and still no agreement has been reached.
While an agreement is a top priority for both sides, Mayor Lawrence Chernoff said today that there has been no additional bargaining or any update on the strike status.
The strike began November 8 over issues including job security and concessions that CUPE believes would undercut their ability to properly represent members when disputes arise.
The strike quickly became a hot election topic and has since halted Winterfest as many respect the workers and would not be comfortable crossing their picket lines.
In a letter last week, CUPE Local 2262 President, Leford Lafayette urged the community keep things civil and avoid any sort of mud slinging while they work towards a fair deal.
CUPE 2262 represents 34 members who work for the City of Castlegar. The current agreement expired in February 2013. No bargaining has taken place since a second round of mediated talks failed to find a resolution in September. The union has been engaged in limited job action in the form of a ban on overtime since August 19 of this year.
This is the first legal strike the City of Castlegar workers have gone on in over 60 years.
