City of P.A. believes CUPE not motivated to end strike, union calls claim disrespectful

“We want to be upfront about that, where we see things today,” she said.

Kiley Bear, the director of corporate services for the City of Prince Albert, speaks to reporters about the ongoing strike. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

While Bear didn’t want to speak on behalf of the striking members, she does believe some may be making more or close to their normal pay while on the picket line. CUPE had previously called out this claim, stating each member was only making minimum wage during the strike. However, Bear doubled down when this was brought up.

“The wages you make on strike aren’t taxable… (casual employees) may be picking up more shifts because concession workers only have a handful amount of shifts they can pick up.”

This isn’t the only thing frustrating the city. Bear said some people believe the striking members make around minimum wage and the city is refusing to give them a livable salary.

They highlighted five positions at the EA Rawlinson Centre, one of the city facilities affected by the strike, which made between $55,000 and $100,000. The 11 per cent raise being offered by the city would increase their hourly pay by at least $2.

Bear did acknowledge that some workers do make around minimum wage

Speaking of the proposed raise, the city has stated multiple times they can’t offer any more. This increase, along with the proposed 11 per raise for CUPE 160, is set to increase the municipal tax rate by 1.9 per cent in 2024. Just raising it by one per cent for both groups would increase the tax rate by 4.3 per cent.

CUPE Strikes Back

Being called unmotivated isn’t sitting well for CUPE 882.

Cara Stelmaschuk, vice-president of the local union, said it’s disrespectful, insulting, and untrue.

“It’s absolutely preposterous to think that we’re enjoying being out here now that it’s getting colder. We want to be back at work, these are people proud of their job.”

She added they’ve been trying to get back to the bargaining table for weeks, but says its the city that refuses to budge.

“We have been reaching out, inviting them back to the table. But all we get is we have no more money,” said Stelmaschuk.

That answer has been one of the biggest frustrations for the union. Stelmaschuk said they understand the city only has a set amount of money they can offer.

“Can we at least meet and discuss how that pile could be divided up?”

Stelmaschuk also didn’t appreciate the idea that only a few of their members make around minimum wage.

She explained that the union has only 59 permanent employees, while membership can sit between 140 and 160 at any given time.

Stelmaschuk also talked about the salaries at the EA Rawlinson Centre, the facility where she is employed. She acknowledged that the salary information is available to the public but doesn’t tell the entire story.

“Making $62,000 (her salary) is not an amazing wage in this day and age (though) there are people who would like to make that much money and I do acknowledge that.”

Meanwhile, the two sides are expecting to meet each other at the bargaining table next week. Two dates have been proposed, Nov. 24 and Nov. 30.

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow

by Jaryn Vecchio

City of P.A. believes CUPE not motivated to end strike, union calls claim disrespectful

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