November 27, 2024 – CUPE 831 Strike Ends with City original offer being accepted.
The two-week labour disruption between CUPE Local 831 and the City of Brampton has come to an end, with the union voting to accept the city’s original offer.
While the resolution ensures stability for workers and the city, the strike has left many union members and residents reflecting on its necessity and impact. The financial strain, transit disruptions, and public backlash have exposed challenges in leadership and strategy for the union and highlighted broader community frustrations.
*A Contentious Vote and Financial Strains*
The union’s decision to accept the city’s initial terms has sparked frustration among its members. Many questioned the rationale for the strike, especially given the lack of tangible gains and the financial losses incurred during the two-week work stoppage.
With the holiday season approaching, the loss of wages has added significant strain to households.“Why did we go through this?” one member asked after the vote. “We’ve lost money we can’t recover, and now Christmas feels impossible.”
This sentiment is widely shared among CUPE 831 members, many of whom felt blindsided by the strike’s abrupt end and are questioning the leadership’s approach to negotiations.
*City Maintained Focus on a Fair Deal*
Throughout the strike, the City of Brampton emphasized its commitment to offering a fair deal that aligned with agreements negotiated by other municipalities and unions. The city repeatedly stated that its offer mirrored similar settlements reached with other CUPE locals and was comparable to the recent agreement in the City of Mississauga, which was accepted without a strike.“
Our focus was always on fairness,” Mayor Patrick Brown said during a media interview. “This deal is consistent with what other CUPE groups have agreed to and reflects our commitment to balancing the needs of workers and taxpayers.”
This consistent messaging strengthened the city’s position, demonstrating fiscal responsibility while maintaining fairness across the board.
*Impact on Transit Workers*
The strike also caused significant disruptions to Brampton Transit services, as picket lines at transit facilities hindered operations. While members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1573 were not on strike, they were unable to provide full transit services to the community, a source of frustration for operators.“
We have a job to do and we have to serve the citizens of Brampton and get them to where they need to go,” said Andrew Salabie, President of ATU Local 1573, during the strike.These disruptions had far-reaching effects on the community, limiting residents’ access to transportation and impacting their ability to work.
*Cost-of-Living Challenges for Residents*
The transit disruptions exacerbated the challenges faced by many Brampton residents already struggling with the rising cost of living. For those who rely on public transportation, the strike meant lost income and additional stress.“
I lost at least three shifts last week, and as a caregiver, you know what it means to me,” shared one resident. “It affects me all around.”This illustrates the broader impact of the strike beyond the union’s membership, underscoring the critical role transit services play in supporting Brampton’s economy and community.
*Questions About Union Leadership*
CUPE 831’s leadership, under President Fabio Gazzola, has faced intense scrutiny for its handling of the strike. Many members are now questioning the decision-making and strategy that led to the work stoppage. The fact that the union ultimately accepted the city’s original offer has raised doubts about whether the strike was necessary and whether members were adequately informed of the City’s offer.“
There was no clear strategy, no clear end goal, and we were essentially in the dark” one member said. “We need to ask if this leadership is the right one to take us forward.”
The strike’s outcome has exposed deep divisions within CUPE 831 and left its leadership facing calls for greater accountability and transparency moving forward.