Members of CUPE 1656 who work at the Region of Waterloo have voted in favour of accepting their tentative agreement, bringing an end to their strike that lasted nearly four weeks.
“This agreement makes gains for our members and will help to address the pressures our members have been facing due to inflation and the increasing cost of living,” said CUPE 1656 President Phil Dominas. “Our members are focused on moving forward and getting back to work.”
The agreement includes wage gains for members of 3.5% and $1 per hour in the first year, 3% in 2026, and 3% in 2027, as well as increases to shift premiums and payment for being on call. CUPE 1656 members will return to work in the coming days.
CUPE 1656 members have been on strike since March 3, after the Region of Waterloo took back an offer that they made during negotiations and instead offering less than half of what they originally proposed. As a result, residents faced disruptions in service at the airport, landfill, and regional road maintenance among other services CUPE members provide that keep the region running, including providing safe drinking water, and skilled trades workers who maintain buildings owned by the Region.
“From the beginning, this strike was about fairness and sending a message to Council Chair Karen Redman and Waterloo Regional Council that they needed to honour their word and the commitments that they made to us in negotiations,” said Dominas. “I am proud of our members for standing up for what is right and holding our employer to account for their broken promises and commitments. As a result of this strike, our local is stronger and more united.”
Dominas thanked the community, the labour movement, and other CUPE locals for their support during the strike. “The support we were given from the community, whether it was stopping by our picket lines with food, unions from across the province sending donations and support, or just honking your horn as you drove by, helped to keep us going in our fight for a fair deal. We look forward to returning to work soon, providing the vital services residents in the region depend on.”