Prince Albert Municipal Workers Prepare to Strike Over Wage Dispute
Municipal employees in Prince Albert are poised to initiate a work stoppage today. CUPE 882, in a statement, revealed that their most recent proposal was turned down on Sunday, and the city remains uncooperative in negotiations.
Mira Lewis, spokesperson for CUPE 882, asserted in a press release, “CUPE 882’s bargaining committee is prepared and eager to come to the negotiating table to engage in the necessary discussions to secure an agreement prior to the strike deadline.” Lewis also mentioned that the city’s employees were willing to make concessions, such as reducing duty pay and proposing changes to vacation entitlements, to offset the expenses associated with the wage increases they are seeking.
Lewis stated, “Considering the limited cost information provided by the city last Friday, the union has adjusted the financial aspects of our proposal.”
Employees represented by CUPE 882 have been without a contract since December 2021. In June, the union voted in favor of various job actions, including a complete cessation of services. Since August 10, a work-to-rule directive has been in effect.
The city claimed to have offered an 11 percent wage increase over four years, but the union rejected this offer, demanding a 12 percent increase over the same period. In August, Human Resource Manager Kevin Yates stated in an interview with CTV News, “We have the most favorable offer on the table in comparison to other cities in Saskatchewan. It’s more than reasonable. The city must strike a balance between the interests of Prince Albert’s taxpayers and the needs of its employees.”
In a statement issued on Sunday, CUPE questioned this assertion and cited recent contracts negotiated in other municipalities, including Wakaw, Biggar, Watrous, and Kindersley. According to CUPE, in 2021, Wakaw workers secured a 21 percent wage increase over five years.
Cara Stelmaschuk, Vice-President of CUPE 882, voiced her concerns, saying, “Wages for City of Prince Albert employees have remained stagnant. Many of our members are struggling to meet minimum wage standards. We understand that recruitment and retention are challenges for the city. The only way to address this issue is by improving wages and working conditions.”
If the workers proceed with the strike, it would disrupt services at various city facilities, including City Hall, the EA Rawlinson Centre, Art Hauser Centre, Frank Dunn Pool, Alfred Jenkins Field House, and the Arts Centre.
On Twitter, CUPE regional vice-president for Saskatchewan, Kent Peterson, expressed his astonishment at the city’s lack of cooperation, saying, “The Mayor Greg Dionne and the Prince Albert city council’s greed and hypocrisy are astounding. They approved hefty pay increases for themselves at the expense of taxpayers but are showing nothing but contempt and disrespect for the workers. I’ll be on the picket line tomorrow morning.”
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