City of Richmond Hill could see service disruptions after requesting a “No Board Report”

Negotiators for the City of Richmond Hill, just north of Toronto, requested a "No Board Report" from the Ministry of Labour this week. CUPE 905, which represents 200 municipal workers negotiating with the City, has begun preparations for a lockout or strike that would disrupt critical city services.

"It's surprising that our employer is pushing for a work stoppage," said Jake Matta, chair of CUPE 905's Richmond Hill unit. "We're just asking for job security and wages that catch up to inflation. City workers can no longer afford to live in the community we proudly serve."

A "No Board Report," once issued, starts a 17-day cooling-off period before a legal strike or lockout.

"Wages are so low that the City can't hire or hold onto critical staff," said George Roman, a member of the union's bargaining committee with over 20 years on the job. "It doesn't just affect us. As a water operator in Richmond Hill, the high turnover I see makes me concerned about the City's ability to deliver clean, safe drinking water."

A strike or lockout would disrupt parks, roads, water and wastewater, arenas, community centres, and operations at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.

"We're not looking for a work stoppage, but our members are determined to see a deal that addresses long overdue wage and job security issues," CUPE 905 President Katherine Grzejszczak added. "We hope the City listens to their workers and brings a fair deal before the deadline."