Media Release: Workers shocked, Union angry over City's plan to sell Sand and Gravel Pit
September 22, 2006 at 2:43 AM
The recent news of the City’s plans to sell the sand and gravel pit has come as a shock to the workers, members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
“We are angry that the City appears to be repudiating the Letter of Understanding we signed just six months ago committing the union and employer to work together in managing change initiatives,” said CUPE Local 500 President Gary Swanson.
“Our members at the pit are deeply upset at this news. We knew about the City’s expression of interest process for the pit, but had no idea it was complete until just recently,” said Swanson.
“Right now, we don’t know any of the details except for a recommendation to sell an asset that has been owned by the citizens of Winnipeg for over 100 years.”
The Letter of Understanding commits both parties to information sharing and dialogue on matters of mutual interest including a 90 day notice provision by the City of its intention to contract out work.
Swanson says the workers are frustrated and feeling shafted by the whole process and plans on taking all necessary steps to ensure the City lives up to its commitment under the collective agreement.
CUPE Local 500 represents about 5,000 members working for the City of Winnipeg.
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For more information:
Gary Swanson, President, CUPE Local 500: 942-1001(office) 612-7757 (cell)
Greg Mandzuk, CUPE National Staff Representative: 942-0343 (office) 781-3798
/kb LSU
