CORNWALL, Ontario – Today the Canadian Union for Public Employees (CUPE) rallied at city hall at noon with approximately 400 workers now on strike. Last night after midnight, inside workers with Local 3251 walked off the job, joining the three other locals (paramedics, outside workers and library workers).
“We need them at the table so we can talk about this and all get back to work in the community that we love,” said Alison Denis, CUPE National Representative. “The only way that this strike will end is at the table with dialogue.”
The City received a formal request from CUPE today, May 23, to return to the bargaining table. The City accepted CUPE’s invitation and will meet with them tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
“Now is the time for the employer to come back to the table. Now is the time for them to remove those concessions. Now is the time for them to treat you with the respect and dignity you deserve. Now is the time for them to negotiate a fair agreement,” shouted CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn.
“We do the same job that all other paramedics do in the province, but we’re not as respected or valued as much as they are, as workers,” said Amanda Palieps, president of CUPE 5734 with Cornwall and SDG paramedics. “Your paramedics are right now one of the lowest paid in the region and our part-time benefits are the lowest in the province.”
According to Palieps, there are 66 full-time and 44 part-time local paramedics.
“The city claims financial woes, but in a recent financial report that City Council received, Cornwall is considered to be in a strong financial position,” said Palieps.
Palieps stated that the city has $6 million in surplus last year and over $40 million in reserves.
“While the City is committed to the bargaining process, there are issues which are fundamental to the City’s operational and financial needs that must be resolved to ensure that any deal reached is fair not just for employees, but for the taxpayers of the City of Cornwall as well,” said the City in a press release.
