City worker strike prompts region to move Cambridge LRT meetings

An ongoing strike by Cambridge's outside workers has prompted the region to move two public consultation meetings about stage two of ION LRT construction.

The strike means all arenas, parks and outdoor rinks are closed.

The LRT meetings in Cambridge will now take place:

• Feb. 28 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kin Club of Cambridge, 1400 Hamilton St.
• March 1 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Newfoundland Club, 1500 Dunbar Rd.

A meeting planned in Kitchener on Feb. 23 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lions Arena at 20 Rittenhouse Rd. is unchanged.

Workers represented by CUPE Local 32 are on strike after they say the city failed to meet their need for fair wages.

• Cambridge's outside workers strike as negotiations break down
• 'We're open,' Cambridge city hall reminds public amid job action

The city has said it wants to negotiate a contract that is fair for both workers and taxpayers.

Cambridge announced Monday night scheduled talks were set to resume between city staff and the union at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Just before noon, the city issued a news release that the public consultations would be pushed back. 

Sports teams left frustrated

The strike has left many sports teams, including minor hockey, ringette and figure skating, without a place to practise or compete. Some are crossing into Kitchener or the townships to scoop up available ice time until the strike is over.

John Murray, president of the Hespeler Minor Hockey Association (HAMA), said the disruption has come at an inopportune time because many teams are in league playdowns and playoffs.

"With all due respect to the negotiation process, HMHA and from what we understand all other user groups, were not given adequate notice of a possible work disruption," Murray wrote Tuesday on the association's website.

"Even though we've received availability offerings at privately owned or other municipalities, it's proving to be for the most part unsatisfactory given that either their minor hockey associations or user groups have scheduling priority."

He thanked coaches, players and parents for their patience "during this frustrating time." 

Winter weather concerns

Drivers were also concerned about how the city would handle snow clearing and salting-sanding of roads with plow drivers on strike.

• Freezing rain warning today, Environment Canada says

The city assured residents it was prepared for inclement weather and that main and secondary roads would be salted and plowed as needed. Side streets would be salted later.

The city reminded drivers to be careful on the roads.