Local 500 Executive approves “unprecedented increase” to legal fees budget
October 26, 2020 at 3:10 PM
At its October meeting, the Local 500 Executive approved an increase of $500,000 to the legal fees portion of the Local’s budget, bringing the total to an unprecedented $700,000 for legal matters.
“This significant increase to our legal fees is a first in our Local’s history,” said CUPE 500 President Gord Delbridge. “We have a massive stack of grievances, human rights violations and pending arbitrations on the books that need to be resolved. Our members have asked us to take action so we have put in place the necessary resources to do so,” said Delbridge.
In September the Local reached out to the Mayor and Council to express CUPE’s concerns about the growing deterioration of labour relations with the City of Winnipeg.
“We have met with City representatives to discuss the Union’s concerns and they have committed to work with us toward potential solutions,” said Delbridge. “As we’ve said many times in the past, CUPE remains committed to a positive and productive working relationship with city administration and council. But we have to be able to resolve labour relations issues in a timely and respectful manner.”
“Our members continue to work on the front lines through this crisis to help keep our community operational," Delbridge said. “They deserve to have their workplace concerns addressed and rights protected. As always, we are committed to ensure we achieve that goal.”
The Local will continue to keep the membership updated on this important issue.
