Residents of Durham Region are faced with the impact of a strike that has shuttered six local childcare centres after 1,600 public sector workers walked off the job.
Durham Region had been in negotiations with CUPE Local 1764 since their collective agreement expired on March 31, 2014, but those talks broke down overnight.
At approximately 1:15 a.m., CUPE Local 1764 representatives said negotiations with Durham Region failed. As a result workers walked off the job as of 6 a.m. Thursday morning. The union represents a number of public sector workers including paramedics, court staff, and child caregivers.
Durham Region spokesperson Matt Gaskell told CP24 the two sides were negotiating for 15 hours on Wednesday, but they are not talking now.
The main point of contention, according to both Gaskell and CUPE 1764 representatives, is how paramedics’ sick leave and benefits are handled.
Strike impact
The strike may have a significant impact for young families as six of Durham’s seven childcare centres have been closed.
Other services in Durham have also been suspended. Residents who want to pay a traffic fine or their utility bill in-person will not be able to do so during the strike. In addition, oral health and sexual health clinical services, and beach monitoring and employment-related programs have also been suspended.
Public health employees will be responding to emergency situations, but ordinary inspections have stopped for the duration of the strike. Paramedics are required to remain on the job as an essential service.
Updates on the strike situation can be seen on the Durham region website.
