With a strike/lockout possible this Monday, negotiations resume tomorrow (Thursday) between the City of Belleville and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 907.
The mayor of Belleville Mitch Panciuk says the main issue separating the two sides is money.
Panciuk says the union is insisting on pay increases while the city has promised no one will get laid off in the near future but is not offering the 200 workers raises.
The mayor maintains the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the negotiating landscape for now.
“Our residents and businesses have been laid off or laid off their employees or had to close or lost their businesses and in this environment we’re just trying to be responsible.”
Belleville Transit’s bus drivers recently accepted a contract promising job security but no pay increases.
Meanwhile CUPE Local 907 is holding a rolling rally in the area of City Hall this afternoon (Wednesday) around 3:45.
The union members include building inspectors, payroll and permit clerks, office staff, parks and recreation, water/wastewater, and snow removal staff.
