Thousands of City of Calgary workers, represented by CUPE 38, have voted in favor of strike action after negotiations with the city resulted in three rejected offers. The vote, which took place between May 15 and 16, had an 89 percent approval rate for strike action. The union represents a wide range of city workers, including development workers, bylaw staff, administrative workers, and social workers, among others. The main concerns raised by union members are regarding wages not keeping up with inflation and the lack of flexibility to work from home.
One of the main requests from union members is the ability to work from home for at least two days a week, with the possibility of additional work-from-home days being approved at the supervisory level rather than senior management level. Negotiations between CUPE 38 and the City of Calgary have been ongoing since last November, with mediation taking place in March. Despite these efforts, no agreement or resolution has been reached, leading to the decision to potentially take work-to-rule action. This would involve union members refusing overtime and extra duties, with rotating strikes being the next step if no agreement is reached.
CUPE 38 President D’Arcy Lanovaz emphasized the fluidity of the situation, stating that there is no set timeline for work-to-rule action. The union is hopeful that discussions with the city can continue to progress without the need for strike action. If an agreement cannot be reached during the work-to-rule phase, rotating strikes may be implemented. Global News reached out to the City of Calgary for comment on the situation. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on the city’s operations and services, as a strike by city workers could disrupt essential services provided to residents.
The potential strike action by City of Calgary workers highlights the ongoing challenges faced by essential workers in negotiating fair wages and working conditions. With concerns over wages not keeping up with inflation and the need for greater flexibility in work-from-home arrangements, CUPE 38 members are advocating for improvements to their working conditions. The decision to pursue strike action reflects the frustration and dissatisfaction felt by city workers, who are essential for the smooth functioning of various city services. The outcome of these negotiations will not only impact the city’s operations but also the livelihoods of thousands of workers and their families.
As negotiations between CUPE 38 and the City of Calgary continue, the possibility of work-to-rule action and rotating strikes looms. These actions could have significant consequences for city residents, as essential services could be disrupted or delayed. Both parties must work towards reaching a mutually beneficial agreement to avoid the escalation of strike action. The coming days will be crucial in determining the outcome of these negotiations and the future working conditions for City of Calgary workers. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation as both sides strive to find a resolution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.
