Despite a palpable stench in the air, the City of Vancouver may soon breathe a sigh of relief as union insiders speculate a resolution to the civic strike could be reached before the Thanksgiving holiday.
A union bulletin distributed to inside workers on Friday stated mediator Brian Foley is expected to issue his recommendations on a settlement as late as the Oct. 8 holiday, The Globe and Mail is reporting
However, the bulletin from Local 15 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees states, "He has committed to do everything possible to get them to the parties earlier if possible."
The bulletin states Foley, who was charged with mediating the strike in mid-September, is scheduled to meet with the city over the weekend.
CUPE Local 15, which represents inside workers, made its submission to Foley on Sept. 24, while CUPE Local 1004, which represents outside workers, followed suit on Sept. 26.
Foley has since had his mandate broadened so that he can make a written recommendation. While his proposal will not be binding, union representatives agreed to take his recommendations to their members for an immediate vote, the newspaper reports.
Vancouver's municipal workers went on strike July 19, suspending regular pick-up of garbage and prompting delays in everything from new-home construction to minor renovations as inspectors and city crews weren't available to hook up water and sewer connections.
The unions are against 39-month contracts being offered by municipalities that are designed to ensure labour peace until after the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
They say the term is too long and the wage package is not enough. The union is asking for 18 per cent while the city is offering 10 per cent.
Parks, streets and residents have suffered while the rat population has flourished during the 10-week ordeal.
Besides garbage collectors, the strike involves parks workers, road-maintenance staff and those who run municipal day camps for kids, library staff, city-run recreation centre staff and various licence and permit employees.
City parks are strewn with debris and playing fields across the city are overrun by wild grass and weeds. Stanley Park's popular Ghost Train ride, which draws Halloween crowds in the tens of thousands, has been cancelled.
On Saturday night, a small picket line formed outside the Orpheum Theatre threatening to undermine the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's opening night. Striking workers distributed pamphlets to concert goers, but were barred from picketing outside the stage entrance allowing musicians to enter the theatre without crossing picket lines.
