THUNDER BAY -- Negotiations between the city and the union representing some 700 of its workers will resume Monday.
City workers represented by CUPE have been without a contract for nearly two years, and Monday's negotiations are seen as vital if the city hopes to prevent a labour disruption.
City workers could walk off the job as early as Tuesday, which would impact garbage collection, sidewalk plowing, services at the Canada Games Complex along with a number of other services. Last week tbnewswatch.com detailed what a labour disruption might look like, and included exactly what services would be disrupted.
“Nobody wants a strike and certainly we will do everything we can to avoid a strike,” City Manager Norm Gale said in an interview Oct. 27 at his city hall office.
“If you ask me if it’s worrisome? Yes, it’s worrisome. A strike will not be easy to get through. It will be impactful.”
Despite all of this, both union officials and city management appear optimistic that a deal can be reached before the midnight deadline.
Mediated talks between both sides will be held throughout the day.
