Kapuskasing's town workers freeze their own wages in support of mill workers

The members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees in Kapuskasing, Ontario - Local 369 - have preempted their upcoming contract negotiation by voting to freeze their own wages for a year.

The union informed Kapuskasing council that 90% of their members voted to hold off on wage negotiations for one year in support for the town and the local mill workers.

"Council appreciated the decision. The proposal recognizes the current economic situation and also the concessions taken by those employed at Tembec (Spruce Falls)," Mayor Alan Spacek said. "These are challenging times for the municipality and our residents and the support shown by the majority of our employees is gratifying."

Seeing the support shown by Local 369, council extended the proposal to all municipal employees as well, and non-union staff agreed to the offer. Local 1237, Kapusaksing Association of Professional Firefighters, did not accept the proposal.

Source:

Wage freeze recognizes economy, mill workers (The Northern Times)