The President of CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador alleges that the firing of local 2099 President Ken Turner was “pure retaliation” by the city of Mount Pearl.

Turner was quietly let go from his position early last week. Mayor Dave Aker would not comment on the situation as it is a personnel issue, only to say that it is unrelated to the 11-week strike by the union over the summer.

Likewise, CUPE President Sherry Hillier wouldn’t comment on the reason for the firing, but did stand firm that it was a form of retaliation.

Hillier states that some comments made by Mayor Aker over the last few weeks have been “untrue.” As an example, she points to comments made by the mayor stating that after the strike everything was fine and he shook hands with Turner, but Hillier says none of their members have witnessed any such act.

Hillier points to other actions by the city that have them concerned as well—such as a reduction of union positions and an increase in non-union positions in the budget, as well as contracting out snow clearing.

She says their members “have their guard up” right now, noting that they have a full legal team working with Turner through his situation.