Region of Waterloo, CUPE Local 1656 at odds over negotiations
Posted Mar 11, 2025 02:35:27 PM.
Last Updated Mar 11, 2025 02:35:31 PM.
There’s been some mixed messaging from the Region of Waterloo and the union representing striking outside workers.
On Friday, the Region of Waterloo issued a release which said CUPE Local 1656 agreed to meet that afternoon.
In a statement to CityNews Kitchener on Tuesday, the Region of Waterloo said those talks happened virtually and stated a revised proposal was provided to the union.
The union, however, is taking issue with that.
They put out a release on Monday which said in part, “Negotiations between CUPE and the Region of Waterloo have not resumed, despite the Region’s claim in a release issued last week.”
Striking outside workers could be seen at the Kitchener Rangers’ Downtown Showdown event at Carl Zehr Square on Tuesday.
The CUPE Local 1656 President, Phil Dominas, said the union won’t return to the bargaining table until the Region of Waterloo brings back a previous offer that it claims was rescinded.
“We’ve made it very clear since the beginning. We just want them to honour their commitment, honour the wage that was taken away from us — then, we’ll get back to the table bargaining.”
Dominas also reiterated that no negotiations are on the books, “As of right now, there has been no bargaining. We haven’t bargained over the weekend, we’ve done none of that.”
The Region of Waterloo said its available to continue negotiations as soon as possible to secure an agreement that is fair for CUPE 1656 members and affordable for residents.
