Tache public works union warns of spring flooding as strike halts drain clearing

Striking Rural Municipality of Tache workers are raising concerns that critical drain clearing for flood mitigation isn’t happening as the spring thaw approaches.

Members of the Operating Engineers of Manitoba Local 987, which represents employees in the utilities, solid waste and public works departments, have been on strike since Feb. 23. The workers and seven other unions, including The Manitoba Teachers’ Society and the Manitoba Federation of Labour, held a rally at the picket line in front of Tache’s administration building on Wednesday.

Rene Ammeter, a lead drainage hand, said necessary equipment used to clear snow and ice from drains is idle and no flood preparation is happening.

“It could result in some significant overland flooding, and just prolong the spring runoff,” he told The Carillon.

Nearly the entire public works staff finished clearing the 50 miles of drains by March 21 last year, but no work has happened this month, he said. If the strike continues, it could impact other spring and summer projects, such as adding gravel to municipal roads, Ammeter noted.

“The RM really isn’t taking their employees seriously on their future,” he said. “They’re disrespecting the employees is what it comes down to.”

Negotiations between the union and Tache have been at a deadlock since the strike began. Workers have been without a collective agreement since December 2024.

While both parties agreed on the conditions of a two-year deal, the union voiced issues over a potential third year due to lower wages offered compared to neighbouring rural municipalities like Springfield. Workers and administration have offered adjusted deals, but no agreements were reached.

Marc Lafond, the union’s business manager, said there’s been little bargaining on a potential deal.

“The members want the two-year deal because everything is all squared away with a nice bow, ready to go. It’s the easiest way. They could be at work tomorrow morning,” he said.

Lafond said the union is worried workers will be blamed for any flooding that happens, but added its not their fault when asking for a fair deal.

Matthew Kiazyk, a grader operator, has worked for the rural municipality for nearly 20 years and hoped to be clearing the drains to prevent flooding.

“Majority of us live, all live in the community. We don’t want to see this happen, but we have to come to terms that for many years now, we’ve been trying to work (on a deal),” he said.

If drain clearing doesn’t happen soon, residents could see drains overflow into their homes, yards and septic fields, Kiazyk said.

Administration is trying to negotiate and “manipulate” the existing emergency services agreement with the union to get workers back on the job, he said. Any flooding within Tache won’t impact neighbouring municipalities, Kiazyk noted.

Tache’s council held a meeting on March 25, but the ongoing strike or negotiations weren’t listed as agenda items.

Mayor Armand Poirier didn’t respond to interview requests.