Water quality will be maintained as Charlottetown utility union strikes for first time in 60 years

Workers with CUPE Local 830, the union of Charlottetown’s water and sewer utility, walk a picket line in front of city hall on July 29. They went on strike that morning following a strike vote the previous week with 90 per cent support. Photo by Logan MacLean /The GuardianArticle contentFor the first time in their 60-year history, Charlottetown’s water and sewer utility union is on strike.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentAbout 30 workers in CUPE Local 830 voted 90 per cent in favour of strike action last week, giving the city one final chance to negotiate.Article contentArticle contentBut after talks broke down on July 28, the workers took to the picket line on July 29.Article contentRob Howatt, local president, says wages and job security are at the heart of the negotiations, which have seen 17 rounds of talks in about two and a half years.Article contentArticle contentThe employer has not been bargaining in good faith, using example salaries from other jurisdictions and departments that don’t reflect the work the utility does, Howatt said.Article content“When we go to the table, we bargain in good faith. We tell the truth. We have researchers that look stuff up to make sure and fact-check what we’re saying. When they come to the table, it’s just whatever. Here’s our numbers, and you have to believe it.”Article content Rob Howatt, CUPE Local 830 president, says the Charlottetown water and sewer utility is on strike after 17 rounds of negotiations for a new collective agreement with the city failed. Photo by Logan MacLean /The GuardianArticle contentThe current collective agreement, which sets wages and job security details for all workers in the union, expired at the end of 2022.Article contentThe union started negotiations asking for a five per cent raise each year over four years, but has conceded to lowering the demand to 3.5 per cent per year.Article contentWhatever the exact number, Howatt also noted the collective agreement includes a clause that ensures wages will rise beyond the agreed rate if inflation surpasses 3 per cent.Article contentArticle contentCity statementArticle contentArticle contentThe first day of the strike, Charlottetown released a statement about contingency plans for the water service, particularly water distribution, wastewater management and emergency response.Article content“We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding, and we thank all staff for their continued professionalism and dedication to serving Charlottetown residents,” CAO Brad MacConnell is quoted as saying.Article contentThe release notes the city has offered a two per cent yearly increase each year over four years, which the city considers fair, fiscally responsible and in line with the industry in the maritimes.Article contentMayor Philip Brown is quoted saying there will be no impact on water quality.Article content“The city respects the collective bargaining process and is committed to reaching a fair and responsible agreement within budget constraints.”