From the Communications Office
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Tuesday, January 12/99)-- It will be at least Thursday before Halifax Regional Council will have an opportunity to deal with the latest contract offer proposed late last week by the bargaining teams of HRM and CUPE Local 108 of the Halifax Civic Workers.
A local newspaper report published today quoted unnamed sources as saying that HRM senior management has already rejected the proposal, but that is erroneous. The unnamed source also speculated on changes to HRM's wage offer to its outside workers.
HRM believes it was unfortunate that this anonymous individual participated in such mischievous and potentially damaging activity. By this reckless action, this individual has certainly done a great disservice to members of Regional Council, members of CUPE Local 108 and their respective bargaining teams.
Bargaining teams on both sides proposed certain concessions at a marathon bargaining session on Friday, January 8th.
HRM was asked By CUPE Local 108 to consider a modified wage offer in return for agreeing to concessions requested by the municipality. The municipal bargaining team agreed to present the offer to HRM's Executive Management Team (EMT) and the union team agreed to recommend approval of the offer to its membership if it were approved by Regional Council.
However, Ken Meech, Chief Administrative Officer, said Councillors were informed over the weekend that EMT has instructed staff to complete a cost-benefit analysis of the latest proposal before bringing it forward to Regional Council. That information is not expected to be completed before Thursday (January 14th) and the proposal will be presented to the Mayor and Councillors at that time.
Mr. Meech urged all parties involved and members of the media to refrain from any further
speculation that might jeopardize current positive climate between HRM and CUPE Local 108.
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Contact:
John O'Brien
Corporate Communications Officer
490-6531
