Unionized employees of the Town of Fort Erie have voted in favour of strike action to back their wage demands. At a meeting held January 23, 2014, members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local #714 gave their bargaining team a “strong mandate” to withdraw their services if a settlement cannot be reached. Their collective agreement with the Town expired December 31, 2013.

The union and Town management have met seven times since November 20, 2013 and made significant progress. However, the union has rejected the Town’s most recent wage offer. The union has formally requested the Ministry of Labour to appoint a conciliation officer.

Local #714 represents approximately 80 full time and casual employees in roads, water and wastewater, parks, facilities and office functions. On average, a full-time unionized employee earns $26.50 per hour coupled with comprehensive health benefits and a defined benefit pension. Recent data shows St. Catharines-Niagara has the highest unemployment rate in Ontario. No strike date has been set.

For more information, contact
Tom Kuchyt, CET
Interim Chief Administrative Officer
905.871.1600 Ext. 2200
tkuchy@forterie.on.ca