Important public services that residents rely on could soon be at risk of disruption as workers in the southern Ontario city of Brampton face a looming strike deadline.
The Ontario Ministry of Labour has issued a “No Board” report, initiating a countdown to a potential strike or lockout involving CUPE Local 831 and the City of Brampton. The union, representing 1,200 municipal workers, will be in a legal strike position at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 7, 2024, the city could also impose a lockout.
“We have been at the bargaining table working towards a fair and comparable deal similar to what other Brampton staff have achieved for our members, for close to 9 months with no success, said Fabio Gazzola, president of CUPE 831. “CUPE 831 members provide essential services to Brampton. Our goal is to reach an agreement that avoids any disruption to these vital services.”
CUPE 831 represents workers responsible for road maintenance, theatres, the call centre, animal control, courthouse services, building inspections and permits, information technology, enforcement, transit, city hall services (marriage licenses, taxes, accounting), administration services and parks and recreation services across Brampton.
“CUPE 831 members are part of the community and take pride in maintaining Brampton’s public spaces and infrastructure,” Gazzola said. “We are seeking a fair deal that addresses the needs of our members, including protection of precarious and seasonal workers, and keeping our public services public. CUPE 831 is not here to fund non-union staff through cuts to the workforce.”
CUPE 831 remains optimistic that a resolution can be reached before the deadline, avoiding disruption to city services.