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.”

A spokesperson said  the City of Brampton is still “optimistic” that both sides will reach a resolution “that reflects the shared interests of our employees, the city and the community.”

“The City remains committed to negotiating a fair multi-year agreement that reflects our employees’ contributions while maintaining fiscal stewardship on behalf of Brampton’s residents and aligning with other CUPE agreements reached in the GTA,” the city said in a statement to INsauag.com.

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

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.”

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