In early December, in effort to progress negotiations, the local agreed to seek joint
mediation with the employer. Unfortunately, the mediation dates provided were too far
out and would still leave members waiting for a contract.
Today, the union sent a request to the Labour Relations Board to release the dates that
were booked to begin mediation with the City of Port Alberni. The bargaining committee
is instead asking the employer to meet as soon as possible. It is important that we reach
a tentative agreement that we know you can support and believe this is the best path
forward at this time.
The priorities of our members cannot continue to be delayed waiting for mediation
months after the last bargaining date. It is our goal, as always, to reach an agreement
that reflects the important work you do to keep our community and local economy
running.
We will continue to update you at all steps in the process. You can expect to receive
information via email (sign up for updates here: https://qrco.de/cupe118), on the CUPE
118 website, or on your union notice board.