CUPE takes northern Ont. township to court over trespass notice

Northern Ont. labour dispute escalating in court The ongoing contract dispute between Black-River Matheson and its unionized workers is escalating to Ontario’s Superior Court.

The ongoing contract battle between the Township of Black-River Matheson and its unionized workers is escalating to Ontario’s Superior Court.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has filed to the court on March 12 for a judicial review over the municipality’s heavy-handed escalation in its treatment of striking municipal workers, said the union.

CUPE claims the township violated charter rights by banning all members and employees of CUPE nationwide – including 14 members of CUPE Local 1490 currently on strike in the town – from three town facilities with a trespass notice on Feb. 15.

The key sticking points in contract negations relate to wages, wage structure and job security according to previous statements by both the town and the union.

No CUPE officials were available for comment Wednesday and the township declined CTV News’ request for an interview.