STRIKE: City workers could walk off the job leading to transit disruptions in Brampton

The city is preparing residents for possible transit and service cancellations as some 1,200 Brampton road crew, bylaw, transit and other workers could walk off the job this week.

The city has been negotiating a new deal with CUPE 831, the union representing workers in departments like Community Services, Public Works and Engineering, and Brampton Transit among others.

But with a strike deadline looming this week, the city says to be ready for “reduced capacity or temporary cancellations” including Brampton Transit disruptions.

CUPE 831 workers could walk off the job as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, following through on a strike vote earlier this year and a Ministry of Labour a “no-board” report in October.

And while the city says it’s “optimistic” about reaching a deal and avoiding a strike, residents should be ready for disruptions.

“While some (services) will continue to operate as usual, others may experience reduced capacity or temporary cancellations,” the city said in an update.

Brampton Transit services could be “significantly impacted” by the strike and the city says riders should “make alternate travel plans.” The city says it is prioritizing maintenance of “essential and emergency services to support our residents throughout a pending labour disruption.”

A collective bargaining agreement between the city and CUPE 831 expired earlier this year. Fabio Gazzola, president of CUPE 831, said last month that the union had been at the bargaining table “working towards a fair deal for our members.”

Details of the negotiations and offers are confidential, however, the city says it is “committed to an offer comparable to other major GTA municipalities.”

“We deeply value the contributions of our employees and remain optimistic about reaching a resolution that will benefit both the community and our workforce in line with nearby municipal CUPE agreements,” the city said.