CUPE holds rally as list of affected services grows

CUPE Local 101 holds a rally in Victoria Park in London, Ont. on Tuesday, June 16, 2015. (Sean Irvine / CTV London)

London’s inside workers' strike may not have much of an impact on citizens, but the list of services affected is growing.

The cutbacks - confirmed by city hall management Tuesday - come as the striking CUPE workers held a rally in Victoria Park and had a meal provided by the provincial union.

For many at the rally, the appetite for picketing is waning.

That shouldn’t be confused with resolve as union leaders vow to continue striking until politicians step in or an arbitrator is summoned.

“The mayor and council really need to step in to do something to end this strike,” says CUPE Local 101 president Shelley Navarroli.

More than three weeks in, there are signs the seams around some city services are splitting further.

The tourist information bureau on Wellington Road is still dark, with a posted handwritten sign for visitors advising them of the strike.

Court and fine services at the Provincial Offences court posted a new schedule Tuesday. The city supports both services, and after days of backlogs, says the new schedule puts things back on track, somewhat.

"Once again, when you are missing a lot of people, you are learning things on the go. And we've decided to reduce the hours there to just morning hours,” says Bill Coxhead, a city senior manager.

A London paralegal says some fines can't be processed there. And online options exist, but some may prefer to deal with fines in person.

“Most people like my clients, want to come in, in person so they know their fine has been paid,” says Gary Kober.