Striking Halifax Water workers reject latest offer
Posted Jun 26, 2015 06:22:27 AM.
Last Updated Jun 26, 2015 12:59:59 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – Striking workers at Halifax Water have rejected their latest offer.
A release from the utility said talks broke off late Thursday night after both sides returned to the bargaining table last Saturday.
Halifax Water said their latest pension offer and proposed wage increases were fair and reasonable given the current economic situation in the province.
Heather Corkum, President of the CUPE branch representing 105 inside workers affected by the labour dispute, says Halifax Water refused to cap pensionable earnings because of seven upper management members who make more than the cut-off amount.
The wage offer provides annual increases over five years, with an increase of 1.5 per cent in the first three years, and a 2.25 per cent raise in the last two years.
The increase would be retroactive to Nov 1, 2013.
The utility says management and non-union staff will continue to provide essential services during the strike, adding it believes it has made fair and reasonable pension and wage increase proposals, and is willing to return to the table if CUPE presents a tangible offer.
