Black River-Matheson, Ont. municipal workers reject tentative agreement

Municipal workers in the town of Black River-Matheson are staying on strike after they rejected a tentative agreement with the municipality.

The 14 workers represented by CUPE Local 1490 have been on the picket line since Oct. 15, 2023.

"We are continuing to stand up for our principles and our values to achieve an agreement that's fair," said CUPE Local 1490 president Serge Bouchard, in a press release.

"We will be seeking to return to the table and resume negotiations with the employer."

Bouchard added that he hopes an agreement can be reached as soon as possible.

"This is our home, and we want to be able to get back to work for the people of Black River-Matheson," he said.

Last month the provincial government took the rare step of vacating all seats of Black River-Matheson's mayor and council, because they failed to meet for over 60 days.

The municipality has faced a series of issues recently, including anger over a 34.2 per cent tax increase, and the ongoing municipal workers strike.