STRIKE: Shutdown highlights ‘critical issues’ with city transit in Brampton, union says
Published November 11, 2024 at 6:47 pm
A strike that ground buses to a halt across the city is evidence of “critical issues” with Brampton Transit according to the union which says it’s ready to get back to the bargaining table.
Some 1,200 City of Brampton workers under Canadian Union of Public Employees 831 walked off the job on Thursday after negotiations with the city over wage increases broke down.
Brampton Transit operators and drivers are under a different union but many have refused to cross picket lines at transit facilities in a show of support with their colleagues, leading to severe disruptions on routes.
And while Mayor Patrick Brown says he was “deeply disappointed” by the disruptions, the union says the strike has laid bare problems with the transit system.
“While we understand that this strike action impacts transit services, it highlights critical issues that need to be resolved to ensure the long-term sustainability of both our workforce and the transit system,” reads a letter from CUPE 831 addressed to mayor Brown dated Nov. 10, which was posted on social media.
In the letter, the union tells Brown workers are calling for “fairer conditions” and the strike is “an essential part of the collective bargaining process.”
RELATED: Strike won’t be over soon as all hands ‘on deck’ in Brampton, Mayor Patrick Brown says
Wages have also been an issue for the union, which is asking for pay increases of between 4.5 to 6 per cent over five years according to reports. But Brown says the city offered CUPE a fair 3 per cent raise – identical to an offer the union accepted in Mississauga earlier this year.
The union says the Mississauga deal shouldn’t be the benchmark as that city has around 250 CUPE 831 employees compared to the approximately 1,200 in Brampton.
“We are aware of your recent comments on CUPE’s decision, and we want to clarify that CUPE Local 831 has taken every step to address safety concerns and uphold our commitment to fair working conditions,” the union said in the letter to Brown.
Partial transit service resumed on some routes over the weekend including 1A, 2, 4, 7A, 11A, 15A, 18 and 30, and service was running on all routes Monday as CUPE 831 did not picket Brampton Transit facilities on Remembrance Day.
But the delays and disruptions are expected to continue again on Tuesday with workers planning to be back on the picket line. Brampton Transit says riders should plan ahead and make alternate travel plans while the strike is underway.
Brown has said the city is considering legal action to get Brampton Transit back on track.
INsauga's Editorial Standards and Policies— CUPE 831 (@CUPE831) November 10, 2024