Nanaimo and its unionized workers are preparing for talks to negotiate a new contract, replacing one that expired more than a year ago.
The current relationship between the city and Local 401 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees is unclear.
One indication of possible unhappiness came last month when union members boycotted the annual staff Christmas luncheon, featuring a traditional feast, including turkey.
Mayor Bill McKay said that prior to the event, “We had heard anecdotally that there was a move that they weren’t coming but nothing more than that.”
Some non-union staff and members of council attended the lunch, he said. “I would be stretching it if I said there was 100.”
McKay does not know the cost of the event. “Nothing went to waste because every bit of food that was left over went to the Salvation Army.”
The lunch is a “great opportunity for councillors to sit down at the same table with the front-line workers. I love that event.”
The City of Nanaimo issued a statement on Dec. 8 stating that given “concerns raised about the City of Nanaimo’s relationship with CUPE Local 401 and its members, we believe it is helpful to provide an overview of our respective roles.” The statement outlined the role of senior staff in handling issues with CUPE but did not discuss specifics of any issues.
A union spokesman could not be reached for comment.
The previous collective agreement between the City of Nanaimo and the union ran out at the end of 2016.
“Neither party has been in a rush to get to the bargaining table,” Tracy Samra, Nanaimo chief administrative officer, said in an email. “We only finalized the text of the previous agreement for publication a few months before it expired.”
Administrative staff expect to go to council in February to get approval for a mandate for the bargaining table, she said.
“As we enter an election year and collective bargaining the city will continue to work with the CUPE executive team in a collegial and professional manner that best serves city staff,” Samra said.
