Town of Whitby, union reach tentative deal to end garbage strike

Torontosun.com
Nov. 13, 2023
Kevin Connor

The garbage strike in Whitby is coming to an end.

The town and CUPE Local 53 reached a tentative agreement and the parties are expected to ratify the deal this week, at which point regular service and program delivery will resume.

“I am very pleased that the Town of Whitby and CUPE Local 53 FT have reached a tentative agreement. Our employees play a vital role in providing the day-to-day services that residents rely on and shaping the overall success of our town,” Roy said.

“The three-year tentative agreement is competitive and fair. It balances respect for Town of Whitby employees, with respect for the needs of our residents. As a next step, both parties will vote to ratify the tentative agreement. Until that time, the details remain confidential.”

About 300 members of CUPE Local 53 went on strike on Oct. 14 after 15 days of bargaining failed to yield a collective agreement.

“After nearly a month on the lines, I am so proud of the members, the bargaining committee, our broader union and the residents of Whitby who supported us through this,” said Rob Radford, president of CUPE Local 53.

“Now we’re ready to get back to delivering the services residents rely on and I’m happy to say that we’re prepared to present the tentative deal to the membership ahead of a ratification vote.”