CUPE Local 500/City of Winnipeg- Bargaining Update #27
September 12, 2022 at 10:00 AM
CUPE Local 500/City of Winnipeg – Bargaining Update #27
Conciliation talks continued between CUPE Local 500 and the City of Winnipeg on September 6, 7 and 8.
Unfortunately, while the parties were able to close the gap on some remaining issues, the employer has made very minimal movement in respect to a fair wage increase. CUPE 500 members have been very clear that a fair wage increase is their top priority in this round of bargaining.
As a result, we feel it’s time to escalate our strike preparations.
Addressing the issues of essential services, picketing safety and processing of strike pay are the main focus of our strike committee and bargaining team.
We will be launching the opening of our strike headquarters:
When: Monday, September 12, 2022
Time: 12:00 noon
Where: 1500 Portage Avenue, across from the Clarion Hotel.
CUPE 500 members are invited to join us at the official opening during your break or other time off. Local 500 President Gord Delbridge, your Bargaining Team and Strike Committee, will be joined by former CUPE National President Paul Moist and former CUPE 500 President Mike Davidson. You can also show your support by giving a honk as you drive by!
Picket Captain Volunteers/Training
The Local wants to be as prepared as possible for any situation. We are asking for volunteers to be picket captains should job action occur. If you are interested you can sign up here. The Local will be in touch with you regarding upcoming picket captain training.
Next steps
We are extremely disappointed that this round of bargaining has taken so long. Your Bargaining Committee has been very committed to reaching a deal by making themselves available at all times, well into the evenings and forgoing vacation time off, a commitment that has not been extended by the employer.
The next bargaining date is set for September 15. As always, any new information or updates will be communicated to members immediately. We remain cautiously optimistic as we proceed with upcoming dates to get a fair deal.
Member support is key to securing a fair contract. Please continue to support your bargaining committee – they are working hard on your behalf to reach a settlement. If you have questions or concerns, you can reach out to us by email at union@cupe500.mb.ca.
Watch for more information
Please keep an eye on your home email or workplace bulletin board for further updates. You can also access all of our bargaining updates on our social media sites or the Local 500 website at cupe500.mb.ca.
We appreciate your continued patience and support. The overwhelming calls and emails of encouragement to your Bargaining Committee does not go unnoticed.
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
