With the holiday season right around the corner, sixty CUPE Local 30 members employed by EPCOR received unexpected and alarming job reclassifications resulting in wage reductions of up to $6 per hour for some, effective immediately. The employer sprung the news on members employed in EPCOR’s Wastewater Collection and Construction Services branch the afternoon of Wednesday, November 6th in a meeting with all 60 employees and their union.
CUPE Local 30 reacted swiftly to the move and is filing a grievance alleging it is a blatant violation of the collective agreement.
Eric Lewis, President of CUPE Local 30, pointed out that these severe cuts to wages are completely unnecessary as the company just posted a $193 million dollar increase to shareholder dividends.
“EPCOR shareholders will continue to get rich, while workers – who create shareholder value in the first place – are punished with wage decreases,” said Lewis.
The CUPE Local 30 president is also concerned that wages could be cut in other areas. “There is no telling how far EPCOR’s greed could penetrate the organization,” Lewis added.
Affected members have been advised by their union to participate in the grievance process within the necessary timelines.
CUPE Alberta president Rory Gill noted this is part of a pattern of pushing down workers at a time when wages aren’t keeping up with the cost of living. “When we have a provincial government watering down labour legislation, trying to weaken unions, and suppressing wages, it’s not surprising that corporations are emboldened to take every opportunity to put their profit above their people. That’s why, as the largest union in the country, we fight back.”
Contact
Jocelyn Johnson
Communications Representative
Phone #: 780-700-5592