Tentative Deal Reached Between Brampton and Striking Municipal Workers

The City of Brampton and CUPE Local 831 have reached a tentative agreement to end the municipal workers’ strike that began last Thursday, though the deal remains subject to ratification by both the union and city council. This development could restore several disrupted city services, including transit, which saw delays and temporary shutdowns as workers picketed key facilities.

CUPE Local 831, which represents approximately 1,200 municipal employees responsible for a wide range of services—from road maintenance and parks to IT support and administrative tasks—confirmed the news late Tuesday, November 12, on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “A tentative agreement has been reached, pending membership and council ratification,” stated CUPE Local 831 in their post.

Mayor Patrick Brown also shared his optimism on X, expressing satisfaction with the agreement reached. “Great news, Brampton! I’m pleased that an agreement has been signed with CUPE 831, pending ratification. This includes a return-to-work protocol,” Brown wrote. The mayor highlighted that the city has offered a “fair, multi-year agreement” similar to the one recently ratified with Mississauga’s CUPE chapter, recognizing the “hard work and dedication” of Brampton’s municipal workforce.

Great news #Brampton, I’m pleased that an agreement has been signed with @CUPE831, pending ratification, including a return to work protocol. We’ve offered a fair, multi-year agreement, just like Mississauga’s, that truly recognizes the hard work and dedication of our City…

— Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownont) November 13, 2024

Union members are scheduled to cast their ratification votes on Friday, November 15. If approved, they are expected to return to their scheduled shifts starting Saturday, November 16. In the meantime, workers remain on the picket line, with compensation promised for time spent there as part of the tentative deal.

The primary point of contention during negotiations has been wages, with CUPE Local 831 asserting that members’ earnings have not kept pace with inflation due to a five-year contract that limited wage increases. The union has actively advocated for better pay and conditions, emphasizing the essential nature of its members’ roles across numerous city functions.

The strike’s impact on Brampton residents has been significant, particularly in transit services. Although transit operators are not part of CUPE, striking workers prevented buses from leaving maintenance facilities for two consecutive days, leading to major service disruptions. The city expects the tentative agreement, once ratified, to facilitate a swift return to normal operations.

The successful ratification of this agreement could mark a positive step in labor relations for Brampton, as municipal workers gain recognition for their contributions to the city. The outcome of Friday’s vote will ultimately determine when these essential services fully resume.