Village of Harrison workers have voted overwhelmingly to reject the final offer from the Village, according to a media release from the workers’ union representative CUPE 458.
The release said 14 out of 17 voters participated and voted 86 per cent in favour of rejection.
“The result of today’s vote clearly shows that the Village’s last offer doesn’t address our members key concerns,” CUPE 458 President Darlene Worthylake stated. “We want to find a solution to the remaining outstanding issues that both parties can accept. If the two parties can’t find a resolve through negotiations we remain open to having a third-party mediator assist us, should the Village be willing to take part in that process.”
Harrison members have voted overwhelmingly to reject the Village of Harrison Hot Springs 'Last Offer' filed with the Labour Relations Board. #fightingmad #fairdealforHarrisonworkershttps://t.co/ObftsXuRnI
— CUPE 458 (@cupelocal458) June 29, 2018
CUPE 458 represents 17 municipal Harrison workers who provide a wide range of services including water and wastewater, snow removal, public works and administratice services at the Village Hall.
In April, Village employees voted unanimously in favour of strike action after long-winded negotiations failed to resolve disagreements on topics like wages and hours (specifically, compressed work weeks).
READ: Village said it has been open to negotiations with employees
A mediation session to “set essential service levels” is set for July 4 – after which the union only has to serve a 72-hour strike notice.
Stay tuned for developments in this story.
