Oakville inside workers ratify new collective agreement while outside workers strike

Inside workers for the Town of Oakville have ratified a new collective agreement, while a strike involving outdoor workers is ongoing.

The new four-year agreement is between the Town of Oakville and Local 1329 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents more than 350 members in various roles.

It includes overall wage increases worth 12.75 per cent over four years, as well as a $750 signing bonus payable in 2023.

The agreement sees several benefit enhancements to support employee health and well-being, such as the introduction of a compassionate care leave salary top-up benefit.

There were also significant enhancements to vacation entitlement including vacation service credit for new hires and existing employees, and the addition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to the list of statutory holidays.

READ MORE: Oakville’s outside, facility town workers officially begin strike

Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Oakville Jane Clohecy said this agreement balances support for employees and operational needs while meeting responsibilities to taxpayers.

“I am proud of the considerable efforts made by both bargaining committees throughout the bargaining process. Reaching an outcome like this requires hard work, respectful dialogue and collaboration by all involved,” Clohecy said

Meanwhile, outside town workers and facility operators in Oakville remain on strike following further discussions on Friday and over the weekend.

Some facilities are closed due to the strike, including community centres and arenas, washrooms in parks, leash-free dog parks and the Field House at Bronte Athletic Park.

Town officials say they have plans in place to limit any disruptions to essential service delivery and health and safety matters.