The Mount Pearl strike enters its sixth day with no end in sight. The labor dispute resulted in the disruption of services to residents and the temporary suspension of both indoor and outdoor sports programs. CUPE Local 2099 President Ken Turner says he sympathizes with the public frustrated with the inconvenience and disruption, but says the city’s bargaining team is what put the union in a position to strike. Turner says the city walked away from the table, leaving the union with few options. Mayor Dave Aker says the city is ready and willing to return to the negotiating table at any time. He says he was aware of “a lot of chatter over the weekend” about the availability of the city’s infrastructure.
