The Town of Whitby yesterday said the labour impasse continues whilst it seeks to eliminate the veto power CUPE Local 53 FT union holds over staff schedule changes.
Right now, CUPE Local 53 effectively has full control over the schedules of town staff who deliver swim programs, maintain arenas, collect waste, and plow roads, said a statement from Whitby Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Matt Gaskell.
“Like any modern employer, the town needs the ability to staff our programs and services at times that work for our residents. Currently, regardless of how necessary such changes are to respond to the needs of the community, the town must seek permission from the union for any schedule changes. The union can deny, or veto, any request for any reason. The town wants this to change because you need programs and services at times that work for you,” said the CAO.
He said the town indicated that it was open to talks with CUPE on Wednesday of this week, provided that they were open to discussing key issues around scheduling and hours of work. “This offer was rejected by the CUPE bargaining committee. Our community needs us to get back to the table to get a deal that works for the community. We’re ready and open to having meaningful discussions with CUPE at any time.”
“I want to reiterate that the town remains open to having meaningful discussions with the union to achieve a fair and reasonable tentative agreement, but it will take both parties willing to sincerely bargain for us to get there. The town has modified its offer many times to address CUPE concerns, the most recent proposed changes to scheduling and hours of work to ensure little to no impact on the current employees. The CUPE bargaining committee refuses to meet the employer part way on key matters of importance, leaving no room for common ground,” CAO Gaskell pointed out.
He thanked the Whitby community for its patience during the CUPE Local 53 strike. “We’ve seen a lot of neighbours helping neighbours, continuing to demonstrate that Whitby is a community that cares,” he added.
For details or information on how to contact the town during this time, visit whitby.ca/2023labourdisruption.