Labour Relations Update

Recreation and Culture Programs and Services

Programs and rentals resumed on Monday, November 13

Drop-in programs

Drop-in programs resumed on Monday, November 13. Online registration opened at 7 a.m. on Sunday, November 12 for booking drop-in programs up to seven days in advance. All cancelled programs have been refunded as credit on your account based on your payment method.

Registered programs

Registered programs resumed on Monday, November 13. Refunds for cancelled classes will be credited to your account by Friday, November 17.

We are currently reviewing options for programs that require full attendance, such as Aquatics Leadership. Participants will receive direct communication regarding any changes to session dates and times.

Rental bookings

Rental bookings resumed on Monday, November 13. We will work to rebook where possible based on availability and our facility allocation policy. All cancelled rentals have been refunded as credit on your account based on your billing schedule.

Memberships

Memberships (seniors, fitness, recreation, premium, culture) have been extended for the duration of the closure to ensure that you receive the full value of your membership. As a small goodwill gesture, an extra three days of access has been added.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email recreation@oakville.ca or call 905-815-2000. Due to an increase in call and email volumes, we will do our best to respond within two business days.

What’s happened

November 13

Town Council ratified the new collective agreement, which was ratified by CUPE 136 membership on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

Read the November 14, 2023, news release for more information.

November 10

The Town of Oakville and CUPE 136, the union representing our outside workers and facility operators, reached a tentative agreement.
The agreement still needs to be ratified by the union and Oakville Town Council
CUPE 136 has scheduled their ratification vote for Saturday, November 11

Read the November 10, 2023, news release for more information.

November 9

CAO Jane Clohecy reached out to residents with a community update that the town is committed to getting a deal so community centres and arenas can open, and the town can return to providing the programs and services residents count on.
The update thanks the community for their ongoing patience during the strike and confirmed that the town and the union will be meeting at the bargaining table on November 9, 2023.

Read the November 9, 2023 Community Update for more information.

November 7

The Town of Oakville and CUPE 136, the union representing our outside workers and facility operators, returned to the bargaining table on November 3 and talks continued over the weekend.
The parties made significant progress and were able to come to an agreement on many key issues including a tentative agreement on wages subject to resolution on outstanding issues.
Unfortunately, despite best efforts to negotiate a settlement that would end the strike, the parties have not been successful in closing the gap on a few matters in order to reach a deal that is fair to both employees and taxpayers.

Read the November 7, 2023, news release for more information.

November 2

CUPE 136 union officially go on strike

Read the November 2, 2023, news release for more information.

October 30

Following promising discussions with members of the CUPE 136 leadership, the town offered to resume negotiations on November 2.
Unfortunately, the union advised the town of their intention to proceed with a strike as of 12:01 a.m. on November 2.
The union had the option to not exercise the first opportunity to strike in order to resume negotiations and delay a strike.

Read the October 31, 2023 news release for more information.

October 16

A No Board Report was issued by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

October 12

A strike vote in favour of a strike was held by the union on October 12, 2023.

October 10

After three days of conciliation without resolution, the town and CUPE 136 reach an impasse
The town advised CUPE Local 136, that they had requested the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to issue a No Board Report.

Early October

The union rejected the town’s offer, which included overall wage increases worth 12.75 per cent over four years, significant enhancement to vacation entitlement as well as increases to shift premiums, allowances for meals and tools, plus the introduction of compassionate care leave top up.

September 18

CUPE Local 136 advised the town that it would be asking for a provincial conciliation officer to assist in the resolution of the collective agreement currently under negotiations.

April

Town of Oakville and CUPE 136 begin bargaining