Chris Stedile
Castlegar News
Mediated talks were scheduled between the City of Castlegar and CUPE 2262. The city agreed to meet with the union on Monday, Dec. 22.
David Schuab, the Labour Relations Board mediator who wrote recommendations for settlement on Sept. 22 will be mediating the talks.
Chief Administrative Officer John Malcolm said, “We’re looking to see if there might be some movement by either of the two parties for the welfare of our workers and the city.”
As of now it is unclear whether the city will be bringing a new offer to the table or not, but they do wish to have the issue resolved before this holiday season kicks off.
“Obviously Christmas is coming and it would be a nice Christmas gift for everyone if we were able to settle the labour strike,” Malcolm said.
CUPE Local 2262 President Leford Lafayette said he is “cautiously optimistic” about the meeting.
“A lot has occurred since we took full strike action on the eighth,” Lafayette said. “It’s good to see we’re getting back to the table. We’ve been asking for that for some time.”
The Union commenced job action on Aug. 22 and escalated to a full-scale strike on Nov. 8.