Labour negotiations between the Pacific National Exhibition and nearly 4,000 workers have allegedly broken down just days after the annual fair got underway.
According to CUPE Local 1004, which represents ushers, ticket takers, security, bartenders and ice makers at the PNE and Playland, this is the first time in several decades that a collective agreement has not been reached before the start of the annual fair.
CUPE 1004 Business Agent Steve Varty said workers are frustrated that a deal has yet to be struck, but the impasse won’t affect the fair.
“The employer has walked away from the table and at the moment there aren’t even more talks scheduled,” said Varty. “We are weighing our options, up to and including taking a strike vote after this year’s fair is finished.”
Varty said workers have been without a contract since January 1, and management as been “dragging its feet” regarding negotiation issues such as job security and increases in the cost of living.
PNE spokeswoman Laura Ballance said talks between her organization and CUPE have not broken down, and that both sides mutually agreed to meet again after the fair was over.
“We’re just focused on putting on a great fair and we’ll meet with them in September,” said Ballance, adding that bargaining only began in June.
Joel McKay
Twitter:jmckaybiv