Traffic detour in place near ROW airport due to CUPE strike

The Region of Waterloo International Airport in Breslau. (Dan Lauckner/CTV Kitchener)

The Region of Waterloo is warning residents about a temporary traffic detour near the airport as hundreds of union workers continue their job action.

According to the region, police have closed the left turn lane at Airport Road near the Region of Waterloo International Airport.

Vehicles travelling southbound on Fountain Street North will be redirected to the roundabout at Fairway Road North and Kossuth Road, then back to the airport’s main entrance, to turn right onto Airport Road.

The region said picketers might be present and are asking people to arrive early, in case of any delays.

“As always, passengers are encouraged to check their airline flight status ahead of time,” the region said in a media release.

Signage has been put up to guide drivers, though vehicles travelling northbound will not be impacted.

More than 200 regional workers with CUPE Local 1656 have been off the job since March 3.

On Thursday, members said numerous people have been hit while picketing.

“We’re up to probably seven or eight individuals by this time now,” said Phil Dominas, president of CUPE Local 1656. “We ask for the public, we ask for the residents of Waterloo and outside residents coming in to travel within the airport, or wherever we’re picketing, please respect us. Please be patient with us.”

The union said it is prepared to continue its strike until they get what they believe is a fair deal.