City of Mississauga Parking Enforcement, Animal Services workers approaching strike deadline

[Link] CUPE 66 members who work in Parking Enforcement and Animal Services for the City of Mississauga are approaching a strike deadline as negotiations with the employer have failed to reach an agreement and members have been without a contract for over a year- meaning residents could find important city services disrupted after July 30 if the city does not negotiate a fair agreement.

"All our members are asking for is fair wages that are in line with those who work for the city in other union and non-union positions," said CUPE 66 President Dominic Taddeo. "These workers are some of the lowest paid city employees, and many of them are struggling to afford to live in a city that has become more and more expensive due to the increased cost of living and inflation."

Parking Enforcement workers help to keep Mississauga streets safe and orderly and help control parking in townhouse and condo complexes across the city. They are also a large contributor of revenue, generating $7.7 million for the city in 2020 alone. Animal Services workers assist with wildlife and pet rescues, ensure bylaws are being upheld and respond to animal-related emergencies. They continue to receive an increasing number of calls from residents and responded to 5,500 calls in 2022.

Despite providing these valuable city services, CUPE 66 members working in these positions make less than other union and non-union workers at the City of Mississauga. This is due to being on an unfair and complicated salary grid that makes it harder for workers to receive regular wage increases.

"This is about fairness for our members in Parking Enforcement and Animal Services," said Taddeo. "We hope the city will come back to the table with an offer that is fair and treats these workers the same as their counterparts at the city."

Mississauga residents are encouraged to visit cupe.ca/Mississauga and send a letter to their city councillor asking them to negotiate a fair agreement for CUPE 66 members and avoid a strike.