The part-time facility attendants employed by the Town of Lakeshore are now on strike.
The 21 employees began the work stoppage at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. The facilities attendants, represented by IBEW Local 636, voted in favour of a strike mandate on February 25 and have been in a legal strike position.
Prior to the announcement that the employees would hit the picket lines, the town issued a statement that warned of the potential strike.
"The town values the contribution that the facility attendants make to the delivery of recreational programming and facilities in the town," said Mayor Tom Bain in a news release. "The town will continue to negotiate in a thoughtful and respectful manner that contemplates the fiscal realities of operating such facilities and respecting public dollars."
Director of Legislative and Legal Services Kristen Newman
Talks to reach a collective agreement began last fall, but wages, hours of work, and scheduling are sticking points, according to Director of Legislative and Legal Services Kristen Newman.
Newman told BlackburnNews.com programming and services will not be impacted by a walkout, but picket lines may delay those who visit facilities like the Atlas Tube Centre. Thousands of hockey players, figure skaters, and recreational skaters use the arena at the Atlas Tube Centre.
The town said it would work with its partners, Belle River Minor Hockey, Lakeshore Lightning, Skate Lakeshore, local schools, and user groups.
