Regional outside workers will be in legal strike position Monday

A potential labour disruption could begin in Waterloo Region on Monday.

The union representing about 150 outside workers for the Region of Waterloo says its members will be in a legal strike position on March 3.

The CUPE 1656 members provide a number of regional services, including regional road maintenance, airport services, and landfill services.

The Region of Waterloo says if a strike takes effect, the regional landfill and recycling centres in Waterloo and Cambridge will be closed to the public.

However, officials stressed that all mandated and regulated services will continue to operate.

“Services, including curbside garbage collection, road maintenance and water services, will all continue,” wrote the Region of Waterloo in a statement released on Friday. “Operations and flights at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) will continue. As always, travellers are reminded to check the status of their flight with their airline.”

Speaking on the Mike Farwell Show on Wednesday, Phil Dominas The President Of Cupe Local 1656, said he is not confident that a deal will be reached by Monday. He said they were at the bargaining table on Feb. 10 when the region came back with “significantly lower” terms on wage increases than what was previously discussed.

“They either lied to us and had no intentions of negotiating the wages of the offer or they made a mistake,” said Dominas. “If that’s the case… they need to come back with what was originally offered and we can move forward from there.”

He added that wage increases are a priority.

The Region of Waterloo said it remains committed to reaching an agreement that is competitive for workers and affordable for residents.

The two sides are set to continue negotiations over the weekend.