Tache reaches contract agreement with union to end strike

Rural Municpality of Tache public works employees left picket lines and returned to work on Friday after union members ratified a new contract, ending the 46-day strike.

Utilities, solid waste and public works members of the Operating Engineers of Manitoba Local 987 launched the strike on Feb. 23 to push for a new deal following the previous collective expiring in December 2024. The 22 members raised concerns over wages keeping pace with neighbouring municipalities, such as Springfield. The strike halted snowplows, reduced landfill hours and stopped drain clearing to mitigate spring flooding.

Trevor Yuriy, representative for Operating Engineers of Manitoba Local 987, said in an email statement members ratified the new deal Thursday evening, with an “overwhelming majority” voting to accept it.

“Our members returned to work this morning and are eager to provide the necessary services to the ratepayers of the municipality,” he said.

The RM of Tache posted on its website that a three-year agreement was reached. No details on the deal were given. Municipal services impacted by the strike returned to normal operations, the statement said.

Mayor Armand Poirier said he was “very relieved and very pleased” to see the strike resolved.

“We’re going to address all the issues with regards to flood mitigation and maintenance of all the infrastructure, everything that was neglected during the strike,” he said. “We’re going to try as best we can to put it all back in order.”