CUPESome 140 unionized workers at the Children’s Aid Society of Algoma remain without a contract.  The latest development happened earlier this week.  Talks between CUPE Local 5269 and a Ministry of Labour-appointed conciliator broke off, resulting the union moving to a ‘no-board’.  In this case, a notice is issued informing the union and the employer that he or she “does not consider it advisable to appoint a conciliation board”.  In a release, union president Lee-Ann Pettenuzzo mentioned there were shortcomings related to a funding formula enacted by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, along with an overall negative impact on northern communities.  The president added that while she understands the constraints the employer is under, the burden should not be placed on the backs of the workers. In that same release, CUPE National Representative Cathy Donnelly said the employer was not willing to reach a deal, in spite of what the union is doing to accomplish that. It was also mentioned in the release that the Ministry of Child and Youth Services’ goal of a balanced budget impacts the services to those people who are most vulnerable.  The union has been pushing back to ensure those same services are sustained.   The members of CUPE Local 5269 have been without a contract since April 1st. The employer’s willingness to sign off on concessions depended on the union accepting a self-funded wage increase.  Nine previous bargaining meetings have resulted in little progress.