Winnipeg nearing first general municipal workers strike since 1919

A Winnipeg father is concerned a potential strike involving city workers could put his children at risk.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 500 – representing 5,000 city workers – voted to strike in July, and strike headquarters have been set up since mid-September.

Workers could go on strike Wednesday morning.

But life-long Winnipeg resident Ian Walker believes city workers have been doing critical work to keep those using his street safe, such as putting up temporary traffic-calming measures.

“The city comes and sets up these signs every weekend during the fall and the spring,” said Walker. “And then all summer long they make sure the signs stay up if they get blown down, or if people are moving them around.

“We don’t have time to come out ourselves to make sure the open streets stay open for us to enjoy, so we’d probably stop using them.

“It would be problematic for our family.”

Traffic signs set up on Winnipeg father Ian Walker’s street. (Credit: CityNews/Morgan Modjeski)

CUPE 500 told the City of Winnipeg it has until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday to bring forward an offer, otherwise the union hits the picket line Wednesday at 12 a.m. CUPE says wages are the main issue, claiming the city is facing a recruitment and retention crisis.

The city presented the union with an offer on Thursday. The following day, CUPE indicated the union has since put forward a counteroffer. On Saturday, a statement from the city indicated it remains committed to finding a fair resolution to the talks, which both parties say are ongoing over the long weekend.

Requests for comment from CUPE were not immediately answered.

Last general workers strike was 103 years ago

For Walker and his family, he feels the fact the city is facing such a massive labour action is a sign of the times in Winnipeg, as it would be the first time city workers hit the picket line since 1919.

“I think It’s pretty significant. I think it’s a bell weather of the state of our city,” said Walker.

Walker says the strike is top of mind for many Winnipeggers this weekend.

“We’re spending loads and loads of money on infrastructure, on replacing roads, but I feel like we’re neglecting the people that are doing the work for the city,” said Walker.

“The people that work for us, for Winnipeggers, need to be paid a wage that will allow them to put food on their families’ tables and be able to live a comfortable life.”

With the strike looming, the city says it’s prepared to ensure essential services like 911 and wastewater treatment are uninterrupted.