Charlottetown city council members have decided against holding a formal meeting with striking water and sewer workers in the near future. During a recent council meeting, Mayor Philip Brown broke a tie vote by opposing a notice of motion presented by Coun. Mitch Tweel to potentially engage in discussions with the workers seeking a “fair deal.” The mayor’s decision led to disappointment and frustration among the workers, with Robbie Howatt, president of CUPE Local 830, expressing discontent over the outcome.
Approximately 20 union members attended the council meeting, while outside, over 50 supporters of the striking workers gathered, making their voices heard through chants and music. The union members and their supporters were advocating not just for their cause but for broader issues concerning the contracting out of work, as highlighted by Howatt.
One of the key concerns for the union is the requirement for long-time workers to obtain specific certifications, which could potentially lead to job losses. Howatt emphasized the challenges faced by workers with learning disabilities in passing the certification test, which he described as being difficult and not accommodating to all workers’ needs. Despite the union’s focus on wage increases, the certification issue remains a significant point of contention.
While some council members, like Tweel, supported the idea of hearing the union’s perspective, others, including Coun. Norman Beck, emphasized the importance of allowing professional bargaining teams to handle negotiations. Mayor Brown emphasized the city’s commitment to the bargaining process and highlighted the ongoing engagement between the city’s representatives and the union.
A mediation meeting between the city and the striking workers is scheduled, with hopes of resolving the dispute. However, Tweel expressed skepticism about the outcome, while Howatt called on council members to take more proactive steps in addressing the workers’ concerns. Despite not being directly involved in negotiations, the council will have a role in deciding whether to accept or reject any agreement reached between the parties in the future.
