While some activities went ahead at the Corner Brook Civic Centre over the weekend, there was nothing moving on the ice. On Friday, city hall stated “Operating a facility such as the Civic Centre involves specialized technical systems that cannot simply be turned off and left unattended.” CUPE Local 4386 workers have been in a legal strike position since October 10th but agreed to wait until after conciliation talks with the city today.
The statement also highlighted the city’s proposal of 12% compensation but that the union is looking for a wage increase of no less than 22%.
Meanwhile, the union issued a statement Friday afternoon saying they are deeply saddened that the city has decided to pre-emptively cancel all ice activities and that members are still working meaning there was no need to cancel anything. The workers say all they want is a fair wage offer that acknowledges the current cost of living and the work they do. Both sides are hoping to reach an agreement back at the table today.
