STRIKE: 97% of city workers in favour of strike in Brampton

Nearly 1,200 municipal workers in Brampton could go on strike if their union and city hall can’t come to a deal, the union president says.

A collective bargaining agreement between the City of Brampton and workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees 831 expired months ago, and the union says its members have “resoundingly” voted yes to a strike if negotiations break down.

The union held a vote on Monday with some 97 per cent of full-time and part-time CUPE 831 workers voting in favour of a strike action “should conciliation not be successful,” says union president Fabio Gazzola.

“It is clear that our members feel the city’s last proposal is unsatisfactory and does not reflect standards and benefits of non-union staff,” Gazzola says in a statement to INsauga.com.

In an update the city says the union has requested a conciliator has been appointed by Ontario’s Labour Ministry “with dates to be determined.

“We value our employees and recognize the important work they do every day to deliver critical services to the residents of Brampton,” the city says. “Bargaining is ongoing, and the City remains committed to negotiating in good faith and reaching a fair deal.”

Gazzola said CUPE831 is “committed to negotiating a fair and equitable contract that reflects the needs of our members.”

“This contract needs to respect and value the contributions members make to the residents of Brampton on a daily basis,” he said.

CUPE 831 represents nearly 1,200 workers in the city’s Community Services, Public Works and Engineering, and Planning, Building and Economic Development departments, among others.

The city says it is focused “on finding a resolution that benefits our employees and the community we serve, and is in line with nearby municipalities.”