Public works and parks and recreation staff at the Town of Caledon have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action.
The 120 members of CUPE Local 966 held a strike vote on April 29 – 88 per cent of eligible members voted with 92 per cent of them supporting a labour disruption. The key issue is wages. “We take great pride in the work we do all around Caledon, but 80 per cent of us can’t even afford to live in Caledon with the wages we are being paid,” said Cam Richardson, an arborist with the town and union vice-president.
In a presentation to town council this week Richardson added the union has heard some heartbreaking stories from workers, some who have been forced to use food banks to make ends meet and can’t afford to pay their bills. “It’s been a tough time for those who keep Caledon clean.” He said the workers would like a competitive wage structure and added it’s time to invest in workers.
The union has been bargaining with the town for a new contract since September and made an application to the Ministry of Labour on April 22 to appoint a conciliator.