Negotiations stall between CUPE 1189 members and City of Owen Sound

OWEN SOUND, ON –(COMMUNITYWIRE)– Negotiations between CUPE 1189 members and the City of Owen Sound have stalled as workers continue to fight for a new collective agreement.

The local has been without a contract since March of 2024 and have been in negotiations with the employer for months but have been unable to reach a deal. There are several important issues left outstanding, including wages that keep pace with the cost of living. The local has declared an “impasse,” meaning that they have engaged the Ministry of Labour to appoint a conciliator, an independent third party, to help the two sides reach an agreement. There is one final day of negotiations scheduled prior to both sides meeting with a conciliator.

“We’ve had many days of negotiations, but unfortunately, we have not been able to reach a deal, that meets the mandate that was given to us by our members,” said CUPE Local 1189 President Brant Atton. “We are hopeful that with a conciliator appointed, we will be able to reach an agreement soon, but we will also be looking at possible next steps including taking a strike vote.”

CUPE 1189 members, who are the outside workers at the City of Owen Sound, work in public works, parks and cemetery – which includes arborists, horticulturalists, operators and campground staff, as well as water treatment and distribution and wastewater collection and treatment. Members work to maintain roads and city equipment, parks, and provide clean water, all important services that city residents rely on every day.

“Our members’ wages have fallen behind, and we are all feeling the effects of inflation and the rising cost of living,” said Atton. “All we are looking for is to be treated fairly, and for a deal that recognizes the hard work our members do day in and day out to keep the city running.”

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For more information, please contact:

Eric Bell, CUPE Communications
(306) 580-0893
ebell@cupe.ca