CUPE 882 members on the picket line in front of the Alfred Jenkins Field House. (Susan McNeil/paNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

WEEK TWO

Mediator appointed as P.A. inside workers strike enters second week

Sep 18, 2023 | 3:34 PM

Update: The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety contacted paNOW to issue a clarification: CUPE 882 requested the appointment of a special mediator under section 6-28 of the Saskatchewan Employment Act to help resolve the dispute with the City of Prince Albert; however, a special mediator was not assigned. Rather the executive director of Labour Relations and Mediation from the ministry was appointed to assist in the conciliation of a collective agreement between the parties, as per section 6-27 of the Act.

In an email to paNOW, a spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety has resources to assist parties in conciliation of a collective agreement. This internal resource is a great avenue to assist the parties in their bargaining process.”

The story below has been adjusted in light of the clarification.

Saskatchewan’s Minister of Labour has officially appointed someone to help with the labour dispute between CUPE 882 and the City of Prince Albert.

Last Friday, the union received a letter confirming that Kristin Anderson, executive director of labour relations and mediation will be brought on to assist both sides in the conciliation process.

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“We are hopeful that some third-party assistance might move both groups toward a mutual understanding,” said CUPE 882 Vice-President Cara Stelmaschuk. “It is our hope that these new talks will go into effect with a willingness to work together.”

A meeting with Anderson is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 20.

The strike enters its second week for Prince Albert inside city workers as they take their picket line to places like city hall, the Alfred Jenkins Field, and the EA Rawlinson Centre.

Stelmaschuk said despite a few blustery days, those on the lines have been doing well, adding those in the community have shown their support.

“The support has been really, really good,” she said. “People just want to help any way they can.”

paNOW has reached out to the City of Prince Albert for comment on the new mediator and are awaiting a reply.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com