Chris Grant is frustrated that the labour dispute between the City of Corner Brook and CUPE Local 4386 has not been resolved.
The union represents the 24 workers at the Corner Brook Civic Centre who were locked out by the city on Oct. 20, 2026 resulting in the closure of the centre.
Grant is currently a volunteer coach with the Corner Brook Minor Hockey Association, but he has been involved in recreation in the city for “forever.”
“It’s just really frustrating,” Grant said when he spoke with The Telegram on Thursday, Nov. 12.
He said kids missed sports several times during the COVID-19 pandemic. “And now this year is another year that they’re missing their activities.”
The city’s hockey, figure skating and gymnastics clubs operate out of the civic centre and all have faced challenges with trying to deal with the lockout.
“When you look at it, kids’ activities are becoming more challenging all the time in regards to kids being physical and the mental aspect of it. So, it’s important,” said Grant.
He has two boys who play hockey. His oldest is graduating high school this year.
“It’s his last year of hockey and this is not what he wants or anyone at that age wants. They’re missing their final year which is important to them.
“And that again relates to the mental side of it. Some kids need this stuff for the mental aspect, as well.”
THOUSANDS AFFECTED
He said there are probably a thousand young athletes who have been affected by the centre’s closure which has impacted the local sporting groups ability to train and to host tournaments.
“I know that it’s more than just for the kids, obviously there’s all kinds of user groups that need it,” said Grant.
That includes crafters who attend markets and fairs there, seniors who walk there, people who are trying to rehabilitate from injuries, senior hockey — which won’t be happening this year, and the local ladies volleyball league.
“This is an important centre,” he said, adding the closure is also impacting tenants who might have to shut down.
SHARING HIS THOUGHTS
As the lockout entered its third week Grant said he couldn’t just sit on the sidelines and watch what was happening, so he made a post on Facebook encouraging the city to resolve the matter.
“I don’t mind putting my voice out there. I’m not trying to cause trouble. I just want something fixed,” he told The Telegram.
“There’s so many people that would like to say things but don’t or can’t for whatever reason. I have no reason that I can’t do it.
“I feel these days with social media anyone can say anything about anyone at any time, but (my post) is not disrespecting either side or either party.”
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Grant knows all the city councillors and he knows all the union members and workers at the arena.
“I’m not picking a side. We need people to get going here. I don’t think it’s a major hurdle to make this happen.
“Negotiations, they tend to go back and forth, but let’s do it a little quicker,” said Grant.
He said unlike if it was the mill or the hospital, there are only 24 workers affected.
“It’s 24 people affected and it should be resolved and it’s not like there’s a big discrepancy here when it comes to the amounts to get back to work.”
SPINOFFS
The closure doesn’t just affect those who use the centre directly.
“People stay in hotels for the tournaments. People come to Corner Brook on the Friday and Saturday night senior games. They go to the restaurants, they spend some money. They go in our town to spend money and watch these events.
“Provincial tournaments, whether it’s figure skating or hockey, you’ve got people coming from all over the province spending money here which the city needs for the growth and prosperity of the city. All that’s gone,” said Grant.
“I’m confused and I guess the lack of communication that’s being put out there, people are kind of confused and getting frustrated.”
Grant’s post has been well received by the public and shared many times, something he was a little shocked at.
“It’s just a little bit of frustration and trying to get something out there,” he said.
He just hopes someone is listening and the labour situation is resolved soon.
“It’s not personal. I just want them to get it fixed, resolved and move on,” said Grant.
HOLDING OUT
Sally Lavers, co-owner of the Best Coast Market, said she and co-owner Beverly Oxford, haven’t given up on holding their annual Holiday Edition market at the civic centre on Nov. 28.
The market is a curated shopping event that showcases artists, makers, creators and small businesses from across the province. They hold three markets a year at the centre.
“We’re still really hoping that the civic centre reopens not just for ourselves but for everybody else involved,” said Lavers.
While there was some concern that they may have to cancel this year’s holiday market, Lavers said they have been able to find an alternate location but they are waiting a little bit longer before making a final decision on moving it.
“Because while we are really excited about the alternative venue that we have found, there are some logistical challenges with that space simply because it is not a typical event venue,” she said.
They would need to source and transport tables and chairs.
“Which means it would be a considerable amount of additional work for Beverley and I in the days leading up to the market.
“So, while we’re confident that we can pull off a great market at that new venue, if we could return to the civic centre it would just make things a lot easier,” she said.
STILL TIME
She said deciding whether they’ll use the new space is a little bit fluid between them and the venue because everything is still up in the air with the civic centre.
“The venue has been very wonderful to deal with and they understand everything that is going on there.”
She said they have mutually agreed on a date but it will depend on where things are going with the city and the union at that time.
She said the decision to move the market could come in the next week or so.
“We’re really kind of getting to the point we need to know which venue we’re moving forward with because of planning and co-ordination.
“We also want to make sure that our vendors have plenty of notice and that we have enough time to clearly communicate the location to shoppers.”
A GOOD SPACE
She said they have intentionally not shared information about the alternate venue because they don’t want to announce a location and potentially change it and create any confusion for shoppers.
“Once we know for certain where it’s going to be held we’ll make sure that everybody knows.”
If they do move locations, Lavers thinks people will be happy with the alternate venue.
“It’s going to allow us to have all of our vendors on one floor, there’s lots of parking, it’s wheelchair and stroller and family accessible. It checks a lot of our boxes.
“We certainly weren’t anticipating this space being an option. If that’s where the market ultimately ends up happening I think it’s going to be a really wonderful day for us, and for our vendors and our shoppers.
“It’s an alternate location but I certainly wouldn’t say that any sacrifices or concessions or anything are being made there,” said Lavers.
She said their vendors have been understanding throughout the process and none have withdrawn.
WHERE THINGS STAND
Conciliation talks between the city and CUPE ended on Tuesday, Nov. 10, without a deal.
On Thursday the city shared an update through Facebook and its website.
It said it had tabled an improved offer and remains ready to return to the bargaining table at any time.
The current offer provides a total compensation package valued at 14 per cent and includes:
- A 10 per cent general wage increase over four years: 3 per cent in 2026, 3 per cent in 2027, 2 per cent in 2028 and 2 per cent in 2029; and increase to the chief power engineer premium from $1.00/hr to $2.00/hr for every hour worked (paid in addition to the hourly wage);
- The power engineer certification premium ($2.00/hr) added to the base wage;
- Additional base wage increases for facility technicians of $0.30, $0.35, $0.35 and $0.40 over the four years;
- Additional base wage increases for cleaners and casual workers of $0.30, $0.35, $0.35 and $0.55 over the four years;
- An additional base wage increase of $0.15 for power engineers in year one; and
- Retroactive pay at 3 per cent on all hours worked in 2026.
The city says the union is currently seeking a 17 per cent increase consisting of:
- A 10 per cent general wage increase over four years: 3 per cent in 2026, 3 per cent in 2027, 2 per cent in 2028 and 2 per cent in 2029;
- An increase to the chief power engineer premium from $1.00/hr to $2.00/hr for every hour worked (paid in addition to the hourly wage);
- The power engineer certification premium ($2.00/hr) added to the base wage; and
- Additional base wage increases over the four years: chief power engineer: $0.25, $0.25, $0.25 and $0.35, power engineer: $0.25, $0.25, $0.25 and $0.35,facility technician: $0.50, $0.50, $0.50 and $0.60 and cleaner and casual: $0.60, $0.60, $0.60 and $0.70.
The city said both proposals include the same 10 per cent general wage increase and the same changes to premiums. “The parties remain apart on the additional increases to base wages.”
In a Facebook post of its own the union said its last offer cited by the city was incorrect and its 2029 wage proposal was actually 10 cents lower for all classifications.
The union said it was a small difference, but they wanted to ensure everyone was seeing the correct numbers.
The union said they are apart by about $1 per hour, which equates to about $2,000 per year.
“A drop in the bucket for a city with a $45 million budget, but enormous for each and every worker,” said the union.
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