Unionized workers with the Town of Amherstburg have reaffirmed their commitment to walk off the job next Friday if their union can't reach a deal with town officials.
Wednesday night, 48 members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers backed strike action by a margin of 98%. Back in November, the margin was 100%.
Local 636 business manager Brian Manninger says the union made the town an offer last month and still hasn't received a response. Wages present the biggest challenge.
"If you look at what the town has done, a five-year agreement with firefighters; 3% each year," he says. "A two-year agreement with the police; nothing in the first year and 5.25% in the second year and then there are three top administrators with the town that have gone up. One, as high as 11%, another 5% and another one 10% in the same timeframe that we took a wage freeze."
The two sides meet with a mediator February 4, 24 hours ahead of the strike deadline, and Manninger says if the workers walk, the public will notice.
"Our workers maintain all the roadways throughout the town," says Manninger. "In the water distribution system; they're the ones who fix the pipes and ensure there's safe drinking water. They run the arenas and your parks, as well as all the services provided out of town hall."
The union represents 55 workers with the Town of Amherstburg.