CUPE Local 500/City of Winnipeg Bargaining Update #23
July 26, 2022 at 8:19 PM
CUPE Local 500 and City of Winnipeg enter conciliation talks
Today, CUPE Local 500 and the City of Winnipeg entered conciliation talks with the assistance of a provincially appointed conciliator. More conciliation dates are scheduled for July 27 and July 28.
Conciliation is a method used to reach a resolution on a contract between two parties. The process involves a conciliator, who meets with the union and the employer separately in an attempt to reach an agreement that is acceptable to both sides. The conciliation officer does not have the power to impose a settlement but they have considerable skill and experience in negotiations and labour relations.
“We're hopeful that with the assistance of a neutral third party, we can find a way to reach a deal that will meet the priorities of our members,” said Local 500 President Gord Delbridge. "If we can't, however, we must be prepared for the possibility of job action in the near future. In view of this, members may want to put off any discretionary spending.”
Strike preparations are continuing
Your bargaining committee began strike preparations weeks ago as part of contract negotiations. This work is ongoing so that we are fully prepared in case job action cannot be avoided. We remain optimistic that through the conciliation process, we can achieve a collective agreement and avoid strike action.
Our main goal is to reach a deal that you deserve while protecting the vital services Winnipeggers count on.
Communication during the conciliation process
Throughout the conciliation process, we will be able to keep you updated on the process but won’t be able to give you details of what’s happening at the table. As much as we would like to give you such information, to do so would jeopardize our negotiations.
As always, we will make sure you are the first to know if we have reached a settlement, or if talks have broken off.
Stay informed
To stay informed during this round of negotiations, members should continue to check for email updates, the bulletin boards or visit the Local 500 website at cupe500.mb.ca.
You should also make sure the Local 500 office has your current mailing and home email address. To provide updated contact information, please visit the online forms page on the Local 500 website.
We appreciate your continued patience and support.
Stronger together!
In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee
Gord Delbridge, President, CUPE Local 500
Carmen Prefontaine, President, Civic Services Unit
Phil Dembicki, President, Community Services Unit
Nicholas McClurg, President, Public Works Unit/Local 500 SAO
Madelaine Dwyer, President, Water and Waste Unit
Rebecca Scott, Member at Large/Local 500 SAO
Jon Shalapata, Member at Large
Alex McClurg, CUPE National Staff Representative
Kevin Carswell, CUPE National Staff Representative
Dale Edmunds, CUPE National Staff Representative
Elizabeth Wheeler, CUPE National Staff Representative
Karen Byzuk, Local 500 Staff