Survey results reveal why CUPE 4900 members rejected tentative deal and are planning Thursday rally

Newmarket, ON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Paramedics, roads workers, public health workers, and other CUPE 4900 members will hold an information picket and rally outside of Thursday’s Committee of the Whole meeting. The picket sends a clear message that members are mobilizing after the Region’s offer fell short of addressing serious financial pressures facing frontline workers.

The tentative deal was rejected by members for failing to respond to a worsening affordability crisis made clear in a recent CUPE 4900 membership survey that received 1,586 responses. The survey paints a stark picture of a workforce under significant financial strain:

• Roughly half of CUPE 4900 members do not live in York Region and 84 per cent say the high cost of living relative to wages is the reason
• 41 per cent work a second job to make ends meet
• 53 per cent struggle to pay monthly rent or mortgage costs
• 47 per cent have cut back on food expenses
• 67 per cent have stopped putting money aside for savings
• 31 per cent struggle to afford extracurricular activities for their children

“It used to be that workers would get a job with York Region and we’d be proud to be here until retirement. That’s not the case anymore. Skilled, dedicated workers are leaving for other municipalities because they can’t afford to stay here,” said Crystal Cook, a registered practical nurse and CUPE 4900 President. “Everyone who works in York should be able to live in York and the Region should lead the way with fair pay. But the Region’s offer did not reflect the reality workers are living every day. When nearly half your workforce is working second jobs, cutting back on groceries, or unable to save for the future, it’s clear that wages have not kept pace with the cost of living.”

Members had anticipated a speedy return to the bargaining table, but York Regional Municipality has not made themselves available until January 28. Members will sit in during the Committee of the Whole Meeting, after which they will resume their information picket.

What: CUPE 4900 information picket & rally

When: January 15, 8 am – 9 am & following the Committee of the Whole Meeting

Where: York Region Administrative Centre Annex, 17250 Younge Street

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