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Th urs da y , N o vem b er 1 5 , 2012
BUSINESS
Serving the South Country, Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford since 1898
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First Place
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Community of Fernie remembers
Grow continues to grow - Page 26 ELKFORD
Peace poster contest Page 8 SPARWOOD
Elementary students remember - Page 7
Fernie community members gathered at the cenotaph outside the courthouse on Sunday morning to honour and remember those who have fought for their country. For the full story and more photos, turn to page 20. Photo by A. Treharne
SPORT
Elkford CUPE members threaten to strike By Angela Treharne Free Press Staff
Dolphins meet Olympians - Page 23
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Want a This Winter
InformatIon on: winter Getting your car ready for What fluids are best Useful tools to carry
Fall Car Care Pages 11, 12, 13
T
hirty-nine District of Elkford workers may go on strike if an agreement on compensation for cost of living is not reached soon. CUPE National Representative, Keith Nielson, reports that after 11 meetings with the District it appears that an agreement cannot be reached at the table, and talks have ground to a halt. CUPE has now requested a mediator to become involved in helping the two sides reach an agreement.
"Compensation issues are all that remain, however it appears the assistance of a mediator is required if we are going to get this done," said Nielson. "The main issue outstanding, in our mind, comes down to respect. It has been made clear to us that the Mayor and Council of the District do not believe district workers deserve a cost of living increase." Nielson said the local is hopeful they will be able to reach a deal in mediation so they will not have to take any strike action. "We want a resolve so the community won't be affect-
ed," said Nielson. Mayor of Elkford, Dean McKerracher, said the District of Elkford has made a very fair offer and he is disappointed that CUPE requested a mediator before presenting the offer to members. “They are suggesting the cost of living is higher in Elkford than other areas,” he said. Sure, groceries cost a little more here, but when you take everything into account, the cost of living is actually really low. “We think we have a very fair offer on the table.” McKerracher said that the City of Vancouver had
ratified an agreement with workers for a four-yearcontract last month, and the offer they received was lower than the one the District of Elkford has put on the table. He said he was disappointed that CUPE had suggested the District does not respect its workers. “This couldn’t be further from the truth,” he said. “I have known many of them for many years and, as Mayor, I am very disappointed that CUPE has said that.” Workers have been without a contract since February 29, 2012.
CUPE 3004 represents 39 municipal workers. Members are employed at the Elkford Community Conference Centre, Aquatic Centre, Recreation Centre, Public Works, District Office and Fire Hall. Services provided by these employees, include garbage collection, water and sewage treatment, roads maintenance, administrative and financial services, tourism, programming, swim lessons, boat licensing, arena and facility maintenance, and parks and playgrounds.