By Mark Squibb/July 15, 2022
Mount Pearl City council met together for this week’s public meeting not at City Hall but through an online conference call.
Holding public meetings virtually was a common practise during the COVID-19 pandemic, but council was not meeting virtually this time due to COVID, but because of a city-wide strike that entered it’s sixth day that Tuesday morning.
“We are in the middle of a labour dispute, and that’s regrettable at the end of the day, but we do strive to work with our employees who deliver great services which we do value in the City of Mount Pearl, and as soon as we can get back to the table, and find some common ground we’ll be able to work things out a little bit more,” said Mayor Dave Aker. “I know emotions are very high right now, but I think the expectation is we stay respectful and professional with each other. But I want to make sure that everybody that’s on or near a picket line, whether that’s our union members or management and non-union staff… even the children and other residents… it’s not just about inconvenience, it’s about maintained safety. So, I’m looking forward to things calming down perhaps a little bit.”
Tension has reportedly increased in the past week with some female managers who work for the City complaining they have been the focus of intimidation tactics by union members who have allegedly followed and filmed them as they leave City facilities. Strikers have also lowered the Canadian flag over City Hall several times, and last weekend, a volunteer with Mount Pearl Minor Baseball allegedly experienced an intimidating encounter with strikers.
Aker, meanwhile, said the City’s management staff will continue with core services where they can provide them, and asked residents to be patient.
“We look forward to getting back to the bargaining table and working things out,” said the mayor. “There’s many things to talk about and there’s always options out on the table and I would encourage our union as well to come with an open mind and not necessarily focus on the past, but focus on the future.”
Aker’s comments came at the end of a half an hour long meeting at which discussion of the strike was not broached except to provide updates to service cancellations or changes.
Thursday’s publication date marked one full week since CUPE declared the strike last Thursday.
City recreation facilities and community centres remain closed during the strike, while soccer, baseball, and rugby clubs have suspended activities. The City has also suspended it’s canoe and kayak program, and swimming lessons, and ported garbage collection to a bi-weekly schedule.
“We certainly have received calls from residents whose garbage was not collected last Thursday, and we hear your concerns,” said Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley during this week’s meeting. “We’re working with our team to determine if a makeup run is possible at this time, and once a decision is made, we will communicate it on our social media and website channels.”
Kieley noted residents will begin receiving their tax bills this week, and she strongly encouraged them to pay their levies at the bank or online, and not at City Hall, although she did add that City Hall will be open to accept tax payments during the strike.
“Know that we’re working hard to keep residents informed of updates,” said Kieley, who encouraged residents to follow updates on the City’s website or to call City Hall if they have questions.
Councillor Isabelle Fry asked for further clarification on when residents who did not have their garbage collected on July 7 should expect to have their garbage picked up.
Director of Public Works Glen Dollimount said that one half of the route would be picked up Thursday, July 14, the other half will be picked up on Monday, July 18.
Councillor Mark Rice noted the City is continuing to process permits during the strike, al though a delay should be expected.
The Pearl tried to reach a CUPE official for comment and was directed to several contacts, both in this province and even on the mainland, but was unable to reach a representative for the union prior to deadline.
