Road crews, landfill and airport workers among those likely to strike Monday in Waterloo region

The Region of Waterloo is warning of potential disruptions to regional services as negotiations with CUPE, Local 1656 continue.

The union representing the region's outside workers will be in a legal strike position as of Mar. 3.

A media release from the union says their "members are full and part-time workers who work to provide clean drinking water, airport services, regional road maintenance, maintenance of emergency vehicles, and landfill services to the Region of Waterloo. Like many in the region, they have seen their wages shrink in recent years due to inflation and the rising cost of living."

If the strike goes forward, the region's landfill and recycling centres in Cambridge and Waterloo will be closed to the public. 

In a media release of their own, the region said it's still negotiating with the union.

"We continue to work closely with CUPE and are committed to reaching an agreement that is competitive for workers and affordable for residents," it said.

'Region is giving us no other option,' says union president

The last collective agreement between the union and the region ended on Dec. 31, 2024. CUPE, Local 1656 President Phil Dominas said the region has since backtracked on proposed wage increases made during negotiations.

"We went into negotiations with the region last week, hoping we would be able to get a fair deal, but we were shocked to find out that instead, they presented us with proposals significantly lower than what they offered us the last time we met," he said. 

Dominas said a strike is likely if the region does not keep the proposed wage increases in place.

"They need to come back to the negotiating table now and honour the commitments they originally made," he said, adding "we don't want to go on strike, but at this point, the region is giving us no other option."

CBC Kitchener-Waterloo contacted the Region of Waterloo for comment. The region said it would not comment on the potential strike while negotiations are still ongoing. 

Residents are advised to visit the region's website and social media pages for updates in the event of a strike. 

The union is holding an information picket Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at the Waterloo region administration headquarters before the council meeting. 

"We are doing everything we can to reach a deal, but the region's latest move to try and take back what they have already offered us has made reaching a deal before the strike deadline more unlikely," Dominas said.