Charlottetown city council members have decided not to hold a formal meeting with water and sewer workers currently on strike. Mayor Philip Brown broke a tie vote during the council meeting, preventing a notice of motion proposed by Coun. Mitch Tweel to potentially engage with the striking workers from moving forward.
The decision was met with strong reactions from the workers and their supporters, with chants and music echoing outside the council chambers. The union members and their allies emphasized the importance of a fair deal and expressed discontent with the city’s actions during the strike.
Despite the supporters’ presence and vocal demonstrations, the council remained divided on the issue. While some council members expressed a desire for a swift resolution to the strike, others believed that professional bargaining teams should handle the negotiations.
The union’s concerns go beyond wage increases, with specific certification requirements posing challenges for long-time workers. Robbie Howatt, president of CUPE Local 830, highlighted the difficulties faced by workers with learning disabilities when attempting to meet these certification standards.
A mediation meeting between the city and the striking workers is scheduled, aiming to facilitate dialogue and potentially reach a resolution. However, some remain skeptical about the outcome, emphasizing the need for council members to take a more active role in addressing the workers’ concerns.
While the council is not directly involved in negotiations, it will have the final say on any agreement reached between the city and the union. The ongoing strike and its implications continue to draw attention and calls for action from both sides involved.
