The City of Prince Albert and a union representing about 200 of its workers are at in pass in negotiations.
The city and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) local 882, which represents workers at City Hall along with those employed at recreation facilities, have not been able to agree on a new collective bargaining agreement. The workers, who have been without a contract since 2021, recently voted nearly 80 per cent in favour of job action, up to and including withdrawing service.
In a media release sent out Tuesday the union said the city’s final offer does not do enough to for workers wages with the current rate of inflation. Union president Tammy Vermette said CUPE 882’s members are being ignored.
“Municipalities across the province have been able to reach fair agreements that recognize the crushing cost of living and still the City of Prince Albert refuses to keep our pay on pace with inflation,” she said.
In their own media statement sent out Wednesday afternoon the City of Prince Albert defended their final offer. The city contends their offer is in line with what other municipalities have offered their workers.
They added the union has also made a request for more vacation days for workers which the city disagrees with.
“The city feels this offer is both generous and fair and remains committed to the well being of its employees and values their contributions,” the statement said.
(Top Photo: Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne, left with City of P.A. Human Resources Manager Kevin Yates.)