Town of Oakville reaches tentative agreement with inside workers, while preparing for strike by outside workers and facility operators

On Friday evening, October 27, the town reached a tentative agreement with CUPE 1329, the union representing the town’s inside workers. Town Council ratified the tentative agreement on Monday October 30, 2023. Details will be available once union members ratify the agreement later this week.

Town offered to return to bargaining with CUPE 136

The town remains in the collective bargaining process with CUPE 136, the union representing the town’s outside workers and facility operators. After numerous days of bargaining since April 2023, negotiations reached an impasse earlier this month. The town is committed to reaching a fair and reasonable agreement with CUPE 136 that balances the needs of employees with responsibilities to taxpayers.

Union advises of intention to strike starting November 2, 2023

On Monday, October 30, following promising discussions with members of the CUPE 136 leadership, the town offered to resume negotiations on November 2. Unfortunately, the union notified the town they are proceeding with a strike as of 12:01 a.m. on November 2. The union had the option to not exercise the first opportunity to strike in order to resume negotiations and delay a strike. The town is still willing to return to the table provided they commit to bargain on key issues that led to the impasse. It is regrettable that they are not delaying their strike action.

Earlier this month, the union rejected the town’s offer, which included overall wage increases worth 12.75 per cent over four years, significant enhancement to vacation entitlement as well as increases to shift premiums, meal and tool allowances, plus the introduction of compassionate care leave top up payments

Impacted facilities and services during a strike

Some of the Town of Oakville's facilities and public services will be affected by the strike. The town has plans in place to limit the disruption as much as possible and ensure that essential service delivery, and health and safety related matters are prioritized. 

The following facilities will close:

• Community centres and arenas 
• Washrooms in parks 
• Leash free dog parks 
• Field house at Bronte Athletic Park  

In addition, recreation and culture rentals and programs will be cancelled, and some services offered by parks, and roads and works operations, such as loose leaf collection would be at a reduced capacity as detailed on the Labour Relations page

Town Hall including ServiceOakville, libraries (including those operating out of community centres), Sir John Colborne Recreation Centre for Seniors, Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate, and the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts will remain open. Oakville Transit will continue to operate. The town also offers many services online. 

For updates on the labour disruption and a list of impacted services visit the Labour Relations page. Information will also be shared on the town’s social media channels, as well as with the media. Residents are also encouraged to stay up to date by subscribing to the town’s newsletter and visiting the News and Notices page.

Quote   

“We are pleased we have been successful in reaching a tentative agreement that is fair and reasonable with our CUPE 1329 inside workers and want to thank the respective bargaining teams for their efforts to reach this outcome. We remain hopeful that we can reach an agreement with our CUPE 136 outside workers if they are prepared to come to the table to have meaningful discussions and delay their intention to strike. We value the contributions and support of our CUPE 136 employees and the excellent service they deliver to our community.”   

– Jane Clohecy, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Oakville. 

Quick Facts  

• CUPE Local 136 represents the town’s outside workers and facility operators, and is the town’s second largest bargaining unit, with more than 285 members in various roles.
• CUPE Local 1329 represents the town’s insider workers and is the largest bargaining unit, with more than 357 members in various roles.
• Ratification by the union is the process by which members of the union vote to accept or reject the terms of the agreement that has been tentatively agreed to by the town and the union’s bargaining committee. Ratification for the town is done by Town Council.