Members of CUPE 882, along with several CUPE leaders and members from other unions, gathered in front of Prince Albert City Hall for a rally yesterday (Mon) to encourage the City to get back to the bargaining table. The union has been without a contract since the final months of 2021 and voted in favour of strike action in July.

CUPE National President Mark Hancock says past contracts with the City of Prince Albert didn’t keep up with inflation, and that was before the cost of living increased significantly. He adds that as their contracts weren’t keeping up, meanwhile, the Mayor and City Councilors gave themselves 20 per cent wage increases. He understands that there may be more workers than there are people on Council, but what is good for the bosses should be good for the workers, as well.

On August 10th, after their request for a 12 per cent raise was declined, CUPE 882 members in Prince Albert began with phase one of strike action; refusing to train managers, co-workers, and contractors. Phase two began last Wednesday when they started forgoing dress code policies, conventions and standards.

On August 11th, the City offered the union an 11 per cent raise over three years, however Hancock says that number is far from adequate when it comes to combatting inflation and the effects of the pandemic. He says workers are finding it hard to put groceries on the table and make rent payments with what they’re being paid. Hancock adds that nearly all collective agreements are reached at the bargaining table, and that is exactly where things need to lead in order to find a deal that works for both the City and his members. Hanock, along with Judy Henley, the CUPE Saskatchewan President joined the group of workers at the rally.