Municipal workers in Fruitvale have issued a 72-hour strike notice, raising the possibility of service disruptions in the village later this week if contract talks fail to produce a deal.
CUPE 2087, the union representing Village of Fruitvale workers, said employees could begin job action as early as 10 a.m. Thursday, May 14.
The union said workers are seeking a contract that reflects wages and compensation offered in neighbouring municipalities.
“We know this could disrupt our community, but we’re asking for a fair deal,” said Kevin Pii, a Fruitvale worker and vice-president of CUPE 2087. “We deserve the same respect and compensation as municipal workers do in neighbouring communities. Fruitvale residents get it — now our employer must get it as well.”
Workers voted unanimously in favour of strike action in early March after mediation failed to produce an agreement between the union and the village.
“We came to the table to get a fair deal that is consistent with other municipalities in the region. But the Village’s refusal to offer us what other workers that do the same work means we need to turn up the pressure to get what we deserve,” said Pii.
CUPE 2087 said it will provide updates to residents if service disruptions are confirmed.
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