‘Do we want to negatively impact anyone? Absolutely not’: Union representing Maritime Electric workers says negotiations will continue

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CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The union representing Maritime Electrical workers in P.E.I. says contract negotiations will proceed regardless of the employees getting into a authorized strike place.

The Worldwide Brotherhood of Electrical Staff Native 1928 voted 89 per cent in favour of hanging after rejecting a closing contract provide from Maritime Electrical on June 27. Union enterprise supervisor James Sponagle stated the 2 sides have agreed to return to the bargaining desk to keep away from halting companies.

“We could possibly be on strike right now, however we agreed to return to the labour board and appoint a conciliator. We’d actually prefer to keep away from or avert a strike,” stated Sponagle.

The negotiations, which have been ongoing since October 2022, will begin “as early as subsequent week” with the assistance of a 3rd social gathering, stated Sponagle

“I made it conscious that I’m obtainable 24-7, so we’re optimistic we will get collectively and resolve the problem,” he famous.

The principle sticking level for the union is elevated wages, which Sponagle stated should pretty mirror the inflation charges and repair interruptions skilled over the previous couple of years.

He stated the most recent tabled provide would have seen staff get a 13 per cent wage improve over 4 years, however the union is in search of a rise round 17 per cent.

“We began at level A and landed at level Z, however once we bought to level Z, the financials weren’t the place they wanted to be,” he stated

“We’re in a position to go on strike. Will we wish to take of us out? Will we wish to negatively influence anybody? Completely not. But when we aren’t in a position to resolve this difficulty, then which may be an possibility. We’ll do all the pieces to keep away from it.”

Maritime Electrical CEO Jason Roberts stated in a press release after the union entered a authorized strike place that the corporate made staff a good provide.

“Maritime Electrical introduced its IBEW-represented workers with a good and affordable provide that balances the pursuits of workers, our clients and the corporate,” he stated. “Throughout the corporate, we’ve activated our operational contingency plans within the occasion of a piece disruption.”