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CUPE 2262 Strike Update

No agreement yet, as the strike heads into second month.

By Chris StedileCastlegar News

Almost one month has passed since CUPE 2262 began their strike and still no agreement has been reached.

While an agreement is a top priority for both sides, Mayor Lawrence Chernoff said today that there has been no additional bargaining or any update on the strike status.

The strike began November 8 over issues including job security and concessions that CUPE believes would undercut their ability to properly represent members when disputes arise.

The strike quickly became a hot election topic and has since halted Winterfest as many respect the workers and would not be comfortable crossing their picket lines.

In a letter last week, CUPE Local 2262 President, Leford Lafayette urged the community keep things civil and avoid any sort of mud slinging while they work towards a fair deal.

CUPE 2262 represents 34 members who work for the City of Castlegar. The current agreement expired in February 2013. No bargaining has taken place since a second round of mediated talks failed to find a resolution in September. The union has been engaged in limited job action in the form of a ban on overtime since August 19 of this year.

This is the first legal strike the City of Castlegar workers have gone on in over 60 years.