City of Brampton faces major service disruptions due to CUPE Local 831 strike; transit, recreation, and city hall services affected

Nov.7: The Corporation of the City of Brampton is currently experiencing a labour disruption by CUPE Local 831.

Scheduled transit services are experiencing significant disruptions. Residents are advised to make alternative travel arrangements.

As a result of the strike action, some City services may be affected. The City is prioritizing its essential and emergency services to support residents, businesses and the community throughout a pending labour disruption.

Background

The City has been in active negotiations with CUPE Local 831 to reach a new contract for City of Brampton members. CUPE Local 831 has been in a legal strike position since 12:01 am on Thursday, November 7.

The City remains committed to negotiating a fair, multi-year agreement that acknowledges the contributions of its CUPE 831 employees while ensuring fiscal responsibility for Brampton’s residents and aligning with other CUPE agreements in the Greater Toronto Area.

Details on service impacts and closures will be updated regularly on this page as they become available.

Impacted services and closures as of November 7

Brampton Transit

• Scheduled transit services are experiencing significant disruptions.
• Riders are encouraged to make alternate travel plans.
• For a quick and easy way to check Brampton Transit Service alerts, riders can download the free BT Safe App: City of Brampton | Brampton Transit | BT SAFE app(External link).

bramptontransit.com(External link)

Animal Services

• Shelter tours are unavailable.
• All other services are operating as usual. Longer than normal wait times may be possible.
• Emergency services remain available.

brampton.ca/animalservices(External link)

Brampton Fire and Emergency Services

• All services are operating as usual.
• Emergency services remain available.

bramptonfire.com(External link)

Building

• The Building division is operating with reduced services and you may experience longer response times.
• Brampton Building and Business Portal will be temporarily unavailable for applying for permits or booking inspections. The City will not be accepting or reviewing building permit applications until further notice.

brampton.ca/building(External link)

City Clerk’s Office

• Marriage ceremonies and licensing services are operating as usual, however residents should expect significant delays in accessing City Hall and will need to cross the picket line to enter the facility. New marriage ceremony requests will be scheduled tentatively and confirmed one week prior to the date.

Visit the City Clerk’s webite(External link)

Court and Administrative Services

• POA Courthouse at 5 Ray Lawson Blvd, remains open for all services during any labour disruption. Please ensure you attend for your scheduled court matters. You may attend in person or via Zoom.
• For all City of Brampton Administrative Penalty matters, our offices will remain open, and we will continue to maintain all scheduled appointments and accept payments or requests to dispute matters.
• Payments and applications can continue to be submitted at Brampton City Hall or the POA Courthouse.
• Longer than normal wait times may be possible.

(External link)brampton.ca/courtservices(External link)

Enforcement and By-law Services

• Enforcement and By-law Services is operating with reduced services. Response will be focused on vital services and safety-related complaints. You may experience longer than normal wait or response times.

brampton.ca/bylaws(External link)(External link)

Recreation

• Some recreation centres remain open, operating at reduced hours.
• Some recreation centres may be closed.
• Visit the website for a full schedule.
• Drop-in and registered programs will continue to run at open facilities during their modified hours of operation only.
• All rentals scheduled during a time when the recreation facility is closed are cancelled. Permit holders will be refunded accordingly in the form of a credit on account for each cancelled rental.
• Members will continue to have access to open facilities during their modified hours of operation only.

brampton.ca/recreation(External link)

Service Brampton

• All services are operating as usual.
• Longer than normal wait times may be possible.
• Temporary closure of three Service Brampton kiosks at:
  • Cassie Campbell Community Centre
  • Gore Meadows Community Centre
  • Save Max Sportsplex
• Residents can call 311, use the Brampton 311 app (available on App Store or Google Play), visit 311brampton.ca(External link) or email 311@brampton.ca(External link) for any inquiries. 311 is available 24/7 for any City of Brampton or Region of Peel non-emergency matters.

311brampton.ca(External link)

Performing Arts

• Performances at the Rose Theatre, Lester B. Pearson and Cyril Clark are impacted by the labour disruption.
• Please visit the website for detailed impact information and additional details for ticket holders.

bramptononstage.ca(External link)

Roads and Traffic

• Road and Traffic Operations continue to provide core services to maintain the City’s road network.
• Applications for Right-of-Way Permits and Utility approvals may be delayed.

Visit this website.(External link)

Parking

• Delays may occur at primary City Hall parking facilities due to picket activity.
• Parking in the downtown area is also available at the following locations:
  • Nelson Square Garage: Access via Queen St. to George St. to Diplock Ln.
  • Market Square Garage: Access via Queen St. to Theatre Lane
  • John Street Garage: 16 John Street
  • George Street North Surface Parking Lot: Northeast corner of George St. N. and Diplock Lane (next to Nelson Square Garage)

brampton.ca/parking(External link)

Frequently asked questions

1. What is a strike?

A strike is the legal act of ceasing work during contract negotiations. Typically, this is paired with employees picketing. It is constitutionally protected under The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (s. 2(d)(External link)).

2. How long will the strike last?

The City is actively prioritizing the maintenance of essential and emergency services to support our residents throughout a pending labour disruption. The City will take all possible steps to maintain scheduled transit service, however these services may be significantly impacted. It is recommended residents make alternate travel plans.

3. What will cause the strike to end?

A strike can end when the union and employer reach a new tentative agreement, or if the union chooses to suspend the strike to resume negotiations. Strikes can also end if the government exercises its legislative power to enact “back-to-work” legislation requiring that striking employees return to work.

4. What is a picket line?

A picket line looks similar to a protest or rally but takes place outside a work site and is intended to disrupt the regular functioning and access of the site. Picketers are legally permitted to carry signs stating the nature of the dispute.

5. What should I be aware of when attempting to cross a picket line?

Expect delays in crossing the picket line and allow for extra time.

6. How safe will it be for me to cross the picket line?

We anticipate responsible and respectful behaviour from members of CUPE 831. However, to ensure public safety, City of Brampton Security Services has engaged with a third-party company who will oversee picket line management.

7. Can a picketer stop me from entering one of the facilities?

Picketers do not have the legal right to stop someone from crossing the picket line. However, they can try to delay entry. Emergency services entering and exiting will not be delayed.

8. How do I cross a picket line?

If you are walking:

• Approach the entrance as you normally would.
• If you are stopped, explain politely that you are not involved in the dispute.
• Listen to the information being conveyed.
• Indicate you are a customer and would like to go into the building to receive services.

If you are driving:

• Approach the entrance as you normally would. It is encouraged that (wherever possible) vehicles utilize a right-turn access into all facilities rather than a left-turn.
• If you are stopped, explain politely that you are not involved in the dispute.
• Listen to the information being conveyed.
• Do not force or “creep” your way through the picket line.
• Wait until the line opens for you.
• Do not back-up or try to change direction once engaged.