City preparing ‘final settlement offer’ to union

Winnipeg city workers have been without a contract since December, and the city is preparing to present what it says is its final settlement offer.

CUPE Local 500 will meet with the city’s chief negotiator on Tuesday.

But if this proposal is anything like previous ones, says CUPE Local 500 president Gord Delbridge, it likely won’t go over well.

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“They’re proposing things like cuts to maternity leave, cuts to the student rate of pay. Just ridiculous proposals that we can’t make any headway on.”

Delbridge wants to do everything possible to avoid any job action, but is prepared to do whatever it takes to get a fair deal.

“I’m more than ready and prepared to take on a fight with the City of Winnipeg on this in ensuring that our members are treated fairly,” Delbridge says. “I hope they’re willing to get back to the table and conduct themselves in a trustworthy, fair manner. But they’re making it very difficult. At least recognize some of our proposals.”

CUPE Local 500 represents roughly 5,000 workers. On its website, the union warns members that ‘until such time as we have had a chance to review the offer of settlement, you may want to be attentive to any discretionary spending.’