Civic Centre workers reach impasse

Corner Brook, NL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Workers at the Corner Brook Civic Centre, represented by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 4386, have officially reached an impasse at the bargaining table and could legally hit the picket lines or be locked out by their employer as early as October 10.

“It’s been incredibly frustrating, to say the least,” said CUPE 4386 President Craig Gardner. “The municipality’s representatives keep coming to the table with the same wage offer our members have soundly rejected, expecting us to just give up and take it. But the reality is what they’re offering won’t help these workers pay the bills, won’t help them put food on the table or keep the lights on. That’s the reality we are fighting against, and the municipality doesn’t seem to care.”

The workers represented by CUPE 4386 are in charge of every aspect of the Civic Centre, from creating the ice to setting up for events. Every sport, meeting, or event held on the premises is handled by these workers.

Despite the impasse, CUPE 4386 has committed to another bargaining date on October 19.

“What we want is a deal that acknowledges the pivotal role we play not just at the Civic Centre itself but in this town. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has fond memories of that place, it’s the town’s heart, and we’re the ones who keep it beating,” explained Gardner. “We hope that they come to the table on October 19 ready to hammer out a deal, not to just pass off the same offer and expect a different response.”

:so/cope491