Region of Queens offices. Photo: Evan Taylor.
Contract negotiations between the Region of Queens and its unionized public works employees have reached a standstill, with the union now in a position to take strike action.
The union, Local 1928 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), represents around 40 workers responsible for maintaining streets, parks, and municipal infrastructure, including waste and recycling services.
The deadline for a potential strike has now passed, leaving either side able to declare a work stoppage with 48 hours’ notice. James Sponagle, business manager for Local 1928, said the municipality’s latest offer failed to address key concerns, particularly around wages. “The offer didn’t change much,” Sponagle said. “It wasn’t a substantial improvement.”
One of the key sticking points is the wage disparity for workers in the public works department. Sponagle explained that technicians with Red Seal certifications are earning significantly less than their counterparts in other municipalities and private sector jobs. “We have workers with Red Seal certifications, but they’re earning far less than those in similar roles elsewhere,” he said.
A major complication in the potential strike is the status of temporary workers. While these employees are not unionized, they play a critical role in public works operations. The union has raised concerns about these workers being asked to cross picket lines if a strike occurs.
Sponagle said the municipality indicated the 14 temporary workers could be asked to cross the picket line during a strike to work, which led to the union filing complaints with the labour board. “We’ve filed two unfair labour practice complaints,” Sponagle said, adding that hearings are expected in the coming months. “The concern is that these workers could be pressured into continuing to work during a strike.”
Sponagle clarified that temporary workers have not been threatened with termination directly, but the union is concerned about the lack of written assurance from the municipality that the workers would not be forced to cross a picket line. “We don’t want to put them in a difficult position,” Sponagle said.
Sponagle is awaiting a response from CAO Cody Joudrey to put in writing assurances that no temporary workers will be fired should they refuse to cross the picket line.
Despite these challenges, Sponagle emphasized that the union is still open to negotiations. “We’re ready to return to the bargaining table, but we need to see a meaningful offer,” he said. “The situation is tense, but we’re not ready to walk away from talks just yet.”
On the municipality’s side, Mayor Scott Christian expressed a desire to avoid a strike and remain hopeful for a resolution. “We don’t want to put anyone in a position where they’re facing a strike,” Christian said. “We remain hopeful that we can resolve the issues at hand and reach an agreement that works for both the workers and the municipality. We’re committed to negotiating a fair deal.”
Christian also acknowledged that wage concerns remain a challenge but did not provide specifics on any potential solutions. “There are challenges on both sides, but we are doing everything we can to find common ground,” he said.
As the deadline for a strike has passed, the pressure is mounting on both sides to reach an agreement. While the union is prepared for the possibility of strike action, Sponagle emphasized that the union’s goal remains to secure a fair deal without disrupting services. “We don’t want to see things escalate, but if we’re pushed into a corner, we’ll take the necessary steps,” he said.
With no new talks scheduled at this time, both the union and the municipality are waiting for the other side to make a move, and the possibility of strike action remains.
