THUNDER BAY -- Garbage collection and sanding and plowing of residential sidewalks will not be available should city workers walk off the job on Tuesday morning.
City manager Norm Gale on Thursday said the municipality plans to hold last-ditch negotiations on Monday with members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 87 in an attempt to stave off a strike.
But if talks fail, a whole host of services will be shut down for the duration of a potential work stoppage. That means city rinks, indoor and outdoor alike – including Fort William Gardens, the Canada Games Complex, indoor pools, the Conservatory and older adult centres will go dark as of 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday should city workers elect to strike.
Other affected services include community recreation programs and special events, Fort William Stadium and the Terry Fox Information Centre.
Police, emergency medical service, fire and transit would go on as scheduled, while some key services, such as winter road maintenance, would be offered at reduced service levels.
Gale said he’s hopeful a deal can be reached on Monday and a strike averted.
“Nobody wants a strike and certainly we will do everything we can to avoid a strike,” Gale said in an interview at his city hall office.
“If you ask me if it’s worrisome? Yes, it’s worrisome. A strike will not be easy to get through. It will be impactful.”
Neither Gale nor CUPE Local 87 president Karen Martin want to negotiate through the media and would not provide details about what the main issues that remain on the table or why there has been such a large gap between scheduled talks. Martin did say the city is attacking language in their collective agreement, suggesting the city is trying to claw back benefits.
Martin said they don't want to strike and may not take to the picket line immediately. But the union won't roll over during talks.
"It's unfortunate that so many services are going to close," Martin said. "We've been almost two years without a contract, so we need to get to the table so we can get negotiations going and get a settlement for our contract."
City workers last went on strike in 1998 and were off the job for several months. Gale is hopeful there won't be a repeat.
“Our intent and our hope is to reach a deal. That is the ideal outcome and we’re striving toward that,” Gale said.
For now, residents will be left to shovel their own sidewalks and will have to find ways to transport their trash to the John Street Landfill, which will remain open for the duration of any work stoppage.
Gale said if a strike drags on, they might have to take a second look at the issue.
“Should there be a strike, if it occurs and it is prolonged, we will look at other options to deal with the essential service of garbage collection,” Gale said.
The labour disruption threatens to displace sports organizations around the city, including the Lakehead Thunderwolves and Thunder Bay North Stars hockey teams, figure skating programs, high school football and minor hockey.
Gale said it won’t be easy.
“I understand well and appreciate the impact this will have on children and also adults who participate in athletic activities. But a strike is impactful,” he said.
Thunderwolves executive Jason Mallon last week said the team is working as an organization to find a solution should a strike occur.
The following municipal services will be unavailable in the event of a strike by CUPE:
- Plowing or sanding of residential sidewalks or trails
- Curbside garbage collection for residents, businesses and apartments
- Day Care Centres (Grace Remus, Ogden, Algoma and Woodcrest Day Care Centres)
- Canada Games Complex
- Indoor Pools (Volunteer and Churchill)
- Older Adults Centres (55 Plus and Older Adult Programs)
- Conservatory
- Fort William Gardens , Satellite Arenas (5) , Stadia (2) and Winter Rinks
- All Community Recreation Programs/Special Events (Child, Youth, Adult)
- Terry Fox Visitor Information Centre
The City of Thunder Bay will keep residents informed. Residents may refer to:
- Website: www.thunderbay.ca
- @CityofThunderBay on Facebook
