Some water and sewer workers in Charlottetown received trespass orders following a demonstration outside a city council meeting where more than 50 union members and supporters gathered. CUPE Local 830 stated that police delivered notices to four strikers and a union representative, barring them from city hall. The union claimed that the orders were issued in response to the workers expressing their displeasure towards Mayor Philip Brown for voting against potentially engaging with the union. Charlottetown Police Services confirmed that the trespass notices were issued to five individuals for causing a disturbance during the council session.
The striking water and sewer employees have been on strike for two and a half months, advocating for improved job security and wages. In response, the city has enlisted the services of private contractors to carry out the work. Robbie Howatt, the president of CUPE Local 830, received one of the trespass notices and attended the council meeting where the incident occurred. He expressed frustration over the bans, describing the situation as exasperating.
CUPE also raised concerns about a conflict of interest involving a city councillor who allegedly failed to disclose a conflict before voting on a motion related to meeting with the union. The vote ended in a tie, with Coun. Bob Doiron among those voting against it. Mayor Brown broke the tie by vetoing the meeting with the striking workers. CUPE argued that due to Doiron’s role as the chair of the water and sewer committee, his participation in the vote without declaring a conflict of interest should invalidate his vote.
The union’s letter to the city pointed out that Doiron’s son-in-law has a significant stake in Landmark Construction, one of the contractors hired by the city during the strike, and that Doiron’s daughter is also employed by the company. Howatt emphasized that had Doiron abstained from the vote, the outcome could have led to a meeting with the council. The vote in question did not pertain to awarding contracts to private firms, and according to Howatt, Doiron has previously abstained from votes involving such matters.
The city acknowledged the conflict of interest allegation and stated that it is investigating the issue. Doiron declined to comment until the city completes its review.
