Town says its ready for ‘impact’ of strike by outside workers in Oakville

The Town of Oakville says it is prepared if its outside workers and facility operators go on strike.

Public services in Oakville could be affected as early as Nov. 2, 2023.

“The town is prepared for the impact and has plans in place to limit the disruption as best as we can,” said the Town late Monday afternoon (Oct. 16) in a media release.

The Town of Oakville said after some six months of collective bargaining between it and CUPE Local 136, the union representing our outside workers and facility operators, talks have reached an “impasse.”

This even after a conciliation officer was appointed for three days by the province to help the town and union reach an agreement.

Late last week (Oct. 12) the union overwhelmingly voted to strike and today (Oct. 16) a No Board Report was issued by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, which sets the earliest date a labour disruption could happen.

As a result, both the town and union are in the position of a legal labour disruption as of 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 2, 2023.

“The town remains hopeful that a mutually beneficial agreement that is fair to both taxpayers and employees can be reached,” said the press release. “However, in the event of a strike, the delivery of some of Oakville’s public services and programs will face interruption.”

A strike by outside workers would result in the closure to the public of arenas, community centres and pools. Seasonal washrooms in town parks and dog parks would also be closed.

Other impacted areas and services include recreation and culture programs, as well as parks, roads and works operations.

All libraries, including those in town community centres, will remain open.

CUPE Local 136 represents more than 285 outside workers and facility operators.

Updates on the possible labour disruption and its impact will be shared on the town’s website at oakville.ca.