STRIKE: City workers strike looms as negotiations break down in Brampton

A strike could be coming as the union representing some 1,200 road crews, bylaw enforcement, transit and other City of Brampton workers says they’re ready to walk off the job next month.

Members of CUPE 831 resoundingly voted in favour of a potential strike earlier this year if negotiations with the city broke down, and the union now says the Ontario Ministry of Labour has issued a “no-board” report kicking off a countdown to a strike.

The move is usually seen when negotiations grind to a halt or ahead of a legal strike, and the union says its workers “will be in a legal strike position” as of Nov. 7 at 12:01 a.m.

The union says during negotiations that they have “yet to secure an agreement on key issues,” but didn’t disclose what those issues were.

“We have been at the bargaining table working towards a fair deal for our members, who provide essential services to Brampton,” Fabio Gazzola, president of CUPE 831, said in a statement.

He said the union wants to reach a deal “that avoids any disruption to these vital services.”

CUP 831 is the union representing Community Services, Public Works and Engineering, and Planning, Building and Economic Development departments, among others.

Earlier this year the city said it was focused “on finding a resolution that benefits our employees and the community we serve, and is in line with nearby municipalities.”

INsauga.com has reached out to the city for an update but no response was immediately received.

Gazzola said the union’s members “take pride in maintaining Brampton’s public spaces and infrastructure” and that CUPE 831 is “committed to returning to the bargaining table to find a resolution that works for both the workers and the community.”

The union said it is hopeful that a resolution can be reached before the deadline, avoiding disruption to city services.

CUPE 831 says it will be in position to strike on Nov. 7 at 12:01 a.m.