Brampton reaches deal with striking city workers, mayor and union say

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and the union that represents nearly 1,200 striking city workers say they have reached a tentative agreement.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter,on Tuesday evening, Brown said the agreement still has to be ratified with members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 831, which represents full-time and part-time workers, and city council.

"We've offered a fair, multi-year agreement, just like Mississauga's, that truly recognizes the hard work and dedication of our City employees," Brown said.

In a news release, the city said the deal is actually four agreementscovering employees who are part of CUPE'soutside and office, professional and technical, temporary, and supervisor, service delivery (transit) bargaining units. Once ratified, the agreementswillbe in effect from April 1, 2024,until March 31, 2027.

CUPE Local 831 said in a post on X that it is pleased that a tentative deal has been reached.

"This development reflects our commitment to ensuring fair working conditions and recognition for your dedication," the union said.

Ratification vote to be held Nov. 15

The union, without a contract since April 9, was seeking wage increases and the same health and benefits package given to management. CUPELocal 831 went on strike last Thursday.

Brown said the deal includes a return to work protocol.There will be no picketing during the period of tentative agreement until the ratification vote takes place.

According to the union, the ratification vote will be held on Nov. 15.

It said all union members will be compensated for the picket line shifts they registered for the period between the tentative agreement and ratification, and are not required to return to work until the deal is ratified.If ratified, members will be expected to return to work for any shifts scheduled on Nov. 16.

The strikeimpeded Brampton bus service last week. On Thursday and Friday, bus service was completely disrupted, but on Saturday, it partially resumed.

Striking city workers picketed Brampton Transit garages, which prevented buses from leaving the buildings because bus operators didnot cross picket lines.

Service was running on all routes on Tuesday, according to Brampton Transit.

Employeeson strike include those responsible for parks and recreation, road maintenance, animal control, courthouse services, bylaw enforcement, and building inspections and permits.