Update: The City of Prince Albert had previously said it was offering an 11 per cent increase over four years to its inside workers with CUPE Local 882, but a release from the City today (Wed) says it will go back to the bargaining table if discussions remain within the 11.5 per cent pay increase, and not premium pay for select workers and more vacation for permanent employees.

Director of Corporate Services, Kiley Bear, says the union is proposing a 12 per cent increase and increases to vacation and additional duty pay, and benefit adjustments for eye glass coverage. She suggests that puts the costs at more like 14 per cent.

This morning, CUPE 882 said it had sent a letter to the Minister of Labour calling for a special mediator to help end the labour dispute. The strike began on Monday and the full withdrawal of services has impacted service levels at City Hall, EA Rawlinson Centre for the Arts, Frank Dunn Pool, Alfred Jenkins Field House, and the Art Hauser Centre. The last collective agreement expired at the end of 2021.

Wednesday morning:

The union representing striking inside workers for the City of Prince Albert have written a letter to the Minister of Labour calling for a special mediator to help end the labour dispute.

CUPE 882 say the collective agreement expired December 31, 2021 and since bargaining commenced have had only eight face-to-face meetings. As well only two meetings involved monetary discussions.

Mira Lewis, CUPE national representative says the union believes an impartial third party experienced in labour relations, negotiations, and mediation will be able to bring the parties to a resolve. The union says in terms of wages, the parties are one per cent apart with the union asking for 12 per cent and the city offering 11per cent.

The union commenced job action on September 11 and says the full withdrawal of services has impacted service levels at City Hall, EA Rawlinson Centre for the Arts, Frank Dunn Pool, Alfred Jenkins Field House, and the Art Hauser Centre.