CUPE 882 is pleased to announce they have confirmed a bargaining date with the City of Prince Albert for Friday, November 24 with an additional date set for the following week.

“There must have been some miscommunication on the city’s side as the union was never asked for a meeting on Tuesday,” said Cara Stelmaschuk, Vice-President of CUPE 882. “But we are heartened to see that the city is finally feeling a sense of urgency to resolve this, and we are glad we have a bargaining date secured.”

The union began job action on August 10, with a full withdrawal of services on September 11. This Friday will be the third bargaining date since June 26.

“Our union is ready to reach a deal. We hope that the city comes prepared to negotiate in good faith to reach a tentative agreement that works for both parties,” added Stelmaschuk.

CUPE 882 wants to thank the residents of Prince Albert, and the broader arts community for their ongoing support and solidarity.

“Every day on the picket line someone drops off donuts or stops to wish us luck. The amount of community support has been truly special – as are the relationships and connections that we have forged on the picket line,” said Stelmaschuk. “We recognize that many people will be disappointed that Tom Cochrane cancelled his show, but we hope it is a wake-up call for the city. This isn’t the first artist who has refused to cross the picket line. This strike is having an impact on the services residents depend on, and we hope that the city is ready to bargain a fair deal.”

Recent related news:

• Municipal workers during City of Prince Albert budget deliberations: Budgets are about choices
• Heavy handed and heavy footed: Mayor pushes truck through picket line, hitting striking workers
• CUPE 882 members vote to reject the tentative agreement
• CUPE 882 files Unfair Labour Practice Application with the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board

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