Representatives from the city and the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 500 held conciliation talks Thursday and Friday with the goal of reaching a new labor agreement to replace the contract that expired in 2021. “Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the employer has taken little action,” CUPE 500 president Gord Delbridge told members in a statement posted on the union’s website late Friday. “We realize that our members are extremely disappointed, as is your bargaining committee with the lack of progress in completing this round of negotiations. Our goal remains to get you the best deal possible that appreciates the work you do and the services you provide to the citizens of Winnipeg.” CUPE 500 members voted 93 percent in favor of strike action in July and opened headquarters on September 12. Union members work for 311, recreation services, water and waste, traffic and other municipal services. Delbridge is now asking his members to prepare for the purse. “A strike is always a last resort, but it appears we are heading in that direction. Although we have not set a deadline for a strike, we are continuing preparations for a strike in the event that industrial action cannot be avoided,” he said. . The city of Winnipeg says it’s still hoping for a deal. “The city remains committed to making every reasonable effort to successfully negotiate an agreement with CUPE,” communications director David Dreedger said via email Monday. Winnipeg has not experienced a general strike by municipal workers since 1919. In recent years, the city and its largest union have kept the peace by negotiating deals that offer workers job security in exchange for very modest wage increases.
