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As strike date looms, region continues negotiations with unions representing daycare workers, paramedics

The region says a strike or lockout would force the closure of some childcare centres
ambulance
FILE PHOTO - Paramedic Services headquarters on Maple Grove Road in Cambridge.

As negotiations continue with the two unions representing local paramedics and clerical workers employed by the Region of Waterloo, the region says it’s “fully committed to reaching an agreement” next week.

The unions represent more than 1,200 workers across the region, both of which will be in a legal strike position on July 24 after filing for a “No-Board report” June 30 that initiated a countdown to a strike or a lockout.

In a press release issued Friday, the region warned contingency plans are in place to ensure essential services would continue in the event of a strike, but that some daycare centres would have to close.

CUPE 1883 represents members who are full-time office, clerical and technical employees throughout the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, except for Sunnyside Home, supervisors and students.

CUPE 5191 represents members who are full-time and part-time paramedics and logistics staff in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo's paramedic service.

The region says negotiations for a new collective agreement, including mandate development and approval, have been occurring over the past nine months with both unions.

Further negotiation dates are set for next week.

“We value the work of all of our staff and the important role they serve in delivering and supporting programs and services across our organization each day,” reads a release from the region. “Our productive working relationships with bargaining units are essential in delivering these critical services.” 

The region says it has contingency plans in place to ensure essential services continue. All regional services that can safely operate to serve local residents will continue in the event of a labour disruption, it says. Regional buildings will remain open to the public.

If a strike does take place, regionally operated child care centres (Christopher Children’s Centre, Kinsmen Children’s Centre, Edith MacIntosh Children’s Centre, and Elmira Children’s Centre) will have to close as a direct result. 

“We understand how challenging this potential labour disruption could be for families. Centre closures would only occur in the event we are not able to negotiate a new collective agreement,” the region says.