STRIKE UPDATE: Brampton Transit resumes partial service amid strike

Brampton Transit is resuming limited services on select routes this weekend as the CUPE 831 strike continues to impact transit operations across the city.

The transit agency posted an alert on Saturday morning to X (formerly Twitter) noting “significant disruptions” due to ongoing labour action. This action limited service along routes 1A, 4, 7A, 11A, 15A, and 18, with officials advising residents to make alternative travel arrangements.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown expressed his frustration with the strike in a social media post on Saturday afternoon, saying, “Deeply disappointed CUPE leaders broke their word, leaving 90-95% of transit service off roads today, even though ATU workers want to work. This won’t be sustainable.”

Brown urged CUPE 831 to return to the bargaining table, emphasizing that the city had made a fair offer.

On Sunday, Brampton Transit updated its advisory to include routes 2 and 30 in its limited service lineup but noted that other routes may remain affected as the strike progresses.

The ongoing strike, which began on Nov. 7, involves nearly 1,200 city workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 831. The union includes municipal staff across various departments including transit, public works and court services.

The strike was called after contract negotiations with the City of Brampton stalled. CUPE 831 sought wage increases of between 4.5 and 6 per cent over five years. The city has instead proposed a package matching the recent CUPE deal in Mississauga, which includes a 3 per cent raise.

Commuters also felt they were left in the dark about the decision to suspend services, expressing frustration over the limited warning provided by the city. “No bus. Late for work. How come we didn’t know about this in advance?” wrote one Brampton Transit user on social media.

Earlier this week, Mayor Brown also raised the possibility of legal action to address service delays caused by picket lines at transit facilities.

In an interview with INsauga, Brown said the City may seek an injunction to limit disruptions caused by the strike. With transit operators from Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1573 refusing to cross picket lines in solidarity with CUPE workers, service levels have been drastically affected.

ATU President Andrew Salabie stated that while ATU members are not on strike, they are “showing solidarity” by waiting for further instruction if encountering picket lines.

The strike has also affected transit routes in neighbouring Mississauga, with MiWay’s Route 103 Hurontario Express detoured to avoid picket lines at Brampton Gateway Terminal. Mississauga transit officials advised riders to check for updates as detours are expected to continue until the situation in Brampton is resolved.

As the strike stretches into its fourth day, Brampton Transit has been providing updates on social media and urging riders to plan alternate transportation.

—With files from Ryan Rumbolt, Karen Longwell, Declan Finucane and Steve Pecar.