CUPE 831, representing 455 inside and outside workers with the City of Brampton, took strike action June 11. These workers have not had a wage increase since 1992.
Major issues in the dispute include layoff language, benefits and hours of work. The City wants to force a four-week 160-hour work period with no set hours per week.
Having sacrificed wage increases over the years to help the City balance its budget, the workers are now asking for a fair wage increase of 4% per year. City councilors and other non-union employees, including the Mayor, have received annual increases averaging 8 to 11 %, well above the rate of inflation.
Campaigning on a theme of Fairness Not a Lot to Ask For, members are looking to the public for support.