The union representing municipal and social service workers and other County of Simcoe administrative/support roles says members are asking for a fair deal.
A possible strike by members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 5820 and 5820.01, around 290 employees, could happen as of Sunday, August 18, if a deal between them and the county isn't reached.
"This is all about fairness for our members,"
Wendy Monsinger, president of CUPE local 5820, told Barrie 360 in an email on Wednesday.
"Our members want to be recognized for the value and the services they provide to the county and the residents. We work hard. Our members are caring, compassionate people who are proud of the work they do."
County of Simcoe officials released comments on Tuesday, August 13, about the possible strike, outlining a timeline of the negotiation process.
County negotiators and union officials met with a mediator on Friday, August 2, to discuss collective bargaining negotiations. The county says a tentative agreement was approved but needed ratification by union members - who later voted against the offer.
Per the county, the offer was:
- A 3-year agreement with a wage increase in the first year consisting of a fixed hourly rate increase of $1.25. This increase represents different percentage increases depending on the specific role but provides an average 3.5% increase in year one across all positions. Years two and three provided a further 3% increase each year.
- Additional health and dental benefits.
- Significant vacation enhancements, among other elements.
According to county officials, they believe the offer was "fair, aligned with market comparables."
However, Monsinger says, as an example in the case of Ontario Works and IT, positions in York Region pay up to $8 per hour more.
"The reality is that for a long time, we have been underpaid compared to people who do similar work in neighbouring counties and municipalities," Monsinger wrote.
"As a result, we’re seeing our members move to other communities offering higher wages for the same work. This has affected employee retention, and the level of service we are able to provide."
Monsinger noted that they aren’t asking to be paid the exact same as those in other regions.
"We are simply asking for the county to negotiate wages that are at least comparable, fair, and recognize the work that we do," said Monsinger.
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The county said in their recent release that, "CUPE Leadership has indicated to us that they have no further plans to return to the bargaining table under the current terms."
Monsinger says, "Contrary to what the employer has communicated, we are ready to negotiate and will be in negotiations later this week."
The county says they have not had a labour stoppage in more than 20 years.
"That is not the situation we want, and it can be easily avoided if the employer negotiates a fair deal when we return to the table," said Monsinger.
She added that they are doing everything they can to avoid a strike but are prepared if a deal cannot be reached.
"We are hoping we can reach a fair deal, and are doing everything we can to avoid a strike - we don’t want to go on strike, we want to get a deal," said Monsinger.
"We are asking residents of Simcoe County for their support, by going to cupe.ca/Simcoe and sending a letter to council to let them know they need to negotiate a fair deal to avoid a strike."
