Fredericton – Members of CUPE Local 508, the outside workers with the City of Fredericton gave their Union Executive, this evening, a strong strike mandate.
CUPE National Representative Ralph McBride says, “Based on the strong mandate we received from the membership we are asking the City to return to the bargaining table.”

McBride says, while the strike mandate they received is strong, no strike date has been set. Outstanding issues include wages and the Benefit Spending Allowance.

“In the 60 years history of this Local, the members have never been on strike. Bargaining is never easy but in the past, we have always been able to reach an agreement at the table,” explained Kevin Smallwood, CUPE 508’s President.

CUPE local 508 has been without a collective bargaining since December 2013. Outside workers in the city are responsible for services such as water and sewage, water treatment, pollution control centre, roads and streets maintenance and cleaning, mechanics, traffic and parks and trees.