STRIKE: Nearly 1,200 city workers on strike in Brampton

City workers, including transit, public works and court services staff members are now on strike in Brampton.

The union representing approximately 1,200 city workers, Canadian Union of Public Employees 831, announced the strike after negotiations broke down with the City of Brampton.

Workers were on picket lines early Thursday morning.

The job action will impact transit riders.

“While the City will take all possible steps to maintain Transit schedules, Transit service may be impacted and it is recommended that Brampton Transit riders make alternate travel plans,” the City of Brampton said on its website.

#BTAlert: Due to labour disruptions, we are experiencing major delays in service. Riders are encouraged to make alternate travel plans.

— Brampton Transit (@BramptonTransit) November 7, 2024

Residents may also find longer than normal wait times at animal services, the building division, the city clerk’s office, court services, and enforcement and bylaw services, the city notes on its website.

The city said it is prioritizing its essential and emergency services.

Some recreation centres will remain open, and some will operate at reduced hours.

The collective bargaining agreement between the City of Brampton and workers represented by the CUPE 831 expired earlier this year. In July, 97 per cent of of workers voted in favour of a strike if a deal couldn’t be reached.

The workers are looking for the same standards and benefits of non-union staff, union president Fabio Gazzola told INsauga.com in the summer.

The city said it is “committed to negotiating a fair, multi-year agreement that acknowledges the contributions of its CUPE 831 employees while ensuring fiscal responsibility for Brampton’s residents and aligning with other CUPE agreements in the Greater Toronto Area.”

The workers were in a legal strike position as of  12:01 a.m. on Thursday.

pic.twitter.com/QLzBaEkPJB

— CUPE 831 (@CUPE831) November 7, 2024

With files from Ryan Rumbolt