Waterloo Region and striking union reach tentative agreement

CUPE 1656 members demonstrated outside the Region of Waterloo International Airport on March 3, 2025. (Krista Simpson/CTV News)

A strike in Waterloo Region could soon be over.

In a news release on Wednesday, the Region of Waterloo said a tentative agreement has been reached with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1656.

The union represents approximately 240 workers in road maintenance, landfill services, airport support, water treatment and emergency vehicle repair.

Workers first went on strike on March 3 at 12:01 a.m., accusing the region of negotiating in bad faith as members looked for wage and quality of life improvements.

The offer includes an almost 12 per cent salary increase for all positions over three years with a one dollar per hour wage adjustment and a 3.5 per cent increase in the first year.

The deal also included a commitment to conduct a market review for skilled trades workers and other benefits such as banked overtime, meal allowances and stand-by rates.

The union still needs to vote on ratification. If members approve the agreement, it will be finalized during a special meeting of Regional Council.