Municipal workers in Fruitvale have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action as contract negotiations with the village remain stalled.
Members of CUPE Local 2087 voted 100 per cent in favour of a strike mandate in a vote held Wednesday, March 4.
“The members are workers for the village; they need help addressing the affordability pressures that are in the region. They’re under the same pressures as everybody when it comes to the cost of living, whether it’s housing, food, and especially right now, gas,” said Greg Taylor, CUPE spokesperson.
Bargaining between the union and the Village of Fruitvale began in July 2025. The parties brought in a mediator in January, but talks remain at a standstill after the first mediation session last week.
CUPE 2087 vice-president Kevin Pii said the village was unwilling to move on its wage proposal.
“Our members are proud to provide public services in this community, and taking a strike vote is not a step we take lightly,” said Pii.
“Strike action is always a last resort, and our goal remains reaching a fair deal without disrupting the services residents and businesses count on.”
Taylor said other municipalities across the region and the province have reached agreements that address rising living costs.
“Other municipalities across the region have already reached agreements with their workers that address these costs of living pressures on their workers. So we know a fair deal is possible, so we see no reason why Fruitvale can’t come back to the table and reach a similar agreement for their own workers,” said Taylor.
Before any strike action could occur, essential service levels must be negotiated and the union would need to provide 72-hour strike notice.
“We believe a similar agreement is possible here, but it will take two willing parties to get there. We need the employer to take members’ concerns seriously and work with us toward a solution that addresses affordability and supports the services our community relies on,” said Pii.
CUPE Local 2087 represents about 10 municipal employees who maintain roads and parks, support administrative services, and help ensure safe drinking water and sewage treatment in the Village of Fruitvale.
Mayor Wes Startup declined comment except to say that “we prefer to work directly with our employees and union.”
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