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Gatineau police 'vanity plates' target mayor

Last Updated: Friday, September 4, 2009 | 3:14 PM ET

The plates were applied to some of the police service's fleet to protest an ongoing labour dispute.The plates were applied to some of the police service's fleet to protest an ongoing labour dispute. (Stéphane Beaudoin/CBC)

The licence plates on Gatineau police cruisers are being used to send a message to Mayor Marc Bureau in relation to an ongoing labour dispute.

Overnight, plates reading "Marc Bureau: Expiration November 2009" were attached to some of the police service's fleet by members of the city's police force. Gatineau's municipal election will take place on Nov. 1.

Police have been without a contract for two years. Wages are the main issue of disagreement between the city and the police union.

Union spokesman Rock Legault said the plate protest was legal, as the proper licence plate remained on the rear of the vehicle — it was simply moved. He added that police officers do not have the right to strike, so they must protest in other ways.

In response to the protest, Bureau said Gatineau's citizens have a limited capacity to pay the taxes to cover increased wages.

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