‘A strong message’: Town of Esterhazy employees 80% in favour of job action

The town of Esterhazy, Sask. (Brady Lang/CTV News)

Tensions between the community of Esterhazy and town employees continue to flare – with 80 per cent of workers voting in favour of job action – up to and including a full withdrawal of services.

The union representing the workers, CUPE 5428, announced results of the vote on Wednesday.

While the local is not in a legal position to strike – it says the move was made as the town attempts to “force a vote on an offer that would shift seniority and remove union members from the bargaining unit.”

CUPE characterized the town’s actions as “union busting.”

According to CUPE, the town currently employs 11 permanent staff who are members of the union.

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

In a statement to CTV News, the Town of Esterhazy reiterated that the union is not currently in a legal position to strike – and outlined the numerous steps and processes that need to happen before a strike can occur.

For example, the provincial government must be notified, essential services must be considered, mediated bargaining must go forward which is followed by a period where no action can be taken.

Only after the steps, can a vote be taken. The Town also noted the union must notify the town prior to a strike occurring.

The workers’ last collective agreement expired in 2023. Since then, the town and union have been actively bargaining.

“We should be coming together and doing our best to get a deal that works for everyone, but the employer is instead doubling down on their union busting tactics and offering a worse deal,” President of CUPE 5428 Joe Richardson said in the update.

“We are hopeful that a deal can be reached at the bargaining table, but our members have sent a strong message: We deserve a fair deal, and we are willing to stand together to fight for one.” 

CUPE pointed to other communities such as Kindersley, Yorkton and Melville that have recently reached agreements with civic employees.

In its statement, the Town of Esterhazy said that it’s committed to taking part in all efforts related to bargaining and is hopeful an agreement can be reached.

“The Town is currently proposing a five-year agreement with raises in each year. Esterhazy is already ahead of many of the surrounding municipalities when it comes to wages, but we recognize that costs continue to increase, so there are proposed increases in each year of the proposed agreement,” the Town noted.

Esterhazy is located around 215 kilometres northeast of Regina.