Blue-collars strike in Kirkland

Blue-collar workers in Kirkland went on strike yesterday,
citing an impasse over job security and benefits that has left the
52 workers without a contract since 2006. The union has agreed with
the city to maintain essential services throughout the strike,
including sewage and waterway work, road and traffic sign work, and
work related to building fire safety and public vehicle reparations.
Other services, such as garbage and recycling pickup, are already
provided by private contractors, said Mayor John Meaney. The fact
that 70 per cent of the work in Kirkland is done by private
contractors instead of unionized employees is one of several
irritants to the union, said Michel Parent, president of Local 301
of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.