Charlottetown city council members have decided against holding a formal meeting with striking water and sewer workers at this time. The decision came after Mayor Philip Brown broke a tie vote during a council meeting, rejecting a notice of motion proposed by Coun. Mitch Tweel to potentially engage with the workers seeking a “fair deal” after being on strike for 79 days.
Robbie Howatt, president of CUPE Local 830, expressed disappointment with the outcome, stating, “I slave my guts for this city and this is how you treat the people that work the hardest for you.” This led to some tension in the meeting, with CAO Brad MacConnell intervening to maintain order.
Approximately 20 union members attended the council meeting, while outside, over 50 supporters of the striking workers demonstrated in front of city hall. The group highlighted concerns over job contracting practices during the strike, emphasizing that the issue affects not only the workers but the community as a whole.
One of the union’s key concerns is the requirement for longtime employees to obtain specific certifications, which could jeopardize their employment. Howatt explained the challenges faced by workers with learning disabilities in passing the certification tests, emphasizing the need for more inclusive testing methods.
Council members expressed differing opinions on the matter, with some, like Tweel, advocating for a dialogue with the union to understand their perspective better. However, others, such as Coun. Norman Beck, stressed the importance of allowing professional bargaining teams to handle negotiations effectively.
Despite the council’s decision, a mediation meeting between the city and the striking workers is scheduled for the following day in an effort to facilitate a resolution. While there are mixed sentiments about the potential outcomes, Howatt urged council members to take more proactive steps in addressing the concerns of the workers who have dedicated years of service to the city.
Ultimately, while the council is not directly involved in negotiations, they will have a role in approving or rejecting any agreement reached between the city and the union in the future.