Unionized workers at the Corner Brook Civic Centre have been locked out by the city after CUPE local 4386 walked away from the bargaining table.
A collective agreement could not be reached between the two parties when they met yesterday, and they had agreed to meet again today.
The city says it asked CUPE to commit to a 24-hour strike notice, but the union would not agree.
The city argues that it had “no choice” but to lock out workers in order to protect the safety and security of the facility, as well as to safely shut down its heating and cooling systems.
It says it could not risk being left in a position where workers could walk out at a moment’s notice, leaving the facility unattended.
The city says it offered a total compensation proposal valued at 12 per cent over four years, which is “fair and in line” with other municipalities.
Local president Craig Gardner says he is “disappointed” with the situation, saying the union had lowered its offer in hopes of getting a deal, but the city wouldn’t budge and came back to the table with “essentially the same offer they’ve had for months.”
He says workers remained on site today and were ready to power down all equipment, but were met with a lockout instead.
Earlier Story
The union representing workers at the Corner Brook Civic Centre failed to achieve a tentative agreement in discussions yesterday, but efforts continue to find a “fair” deal for its members.
CUPE Local 4386 provided the update last night.
The union says it has agreed to meet again today, and its members are continuing to work.
The union membership voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike vote earlier this month, while the city remains “optimistic” that a deal can be reached.
