The Town of Whitby facilities have closed as labour disruption began this Saturday (October 14).
However, to ensure essential services continue during the CUPE strike, the town has activated its contingency plan and is finalizing the set-up of two temporary waste drop-off locations to be opened in phases, with future sites to be considered based on community and operational need.
Durham Region, which is headquartered in Whitby, announced its services, including blue box collection, will continue during the labour disruption, but there could be delays.
The town said it is committed to having meaningful discussions and reaching a fair and reasonable agreement with CUPE Local 53 Full-time to end the current strike.
The two waste drop-off sites are at:
- Iroquois Park Sports Centre parking lot (500 Victoria Street West)
- McKinney Centre parking lot (222 McKinney Drive)
These sites have been carefully chosen in consultation with environmental and public health authorities and regulations to minimize impact. Waste will be collected and placed into bins at each site and removed regularly, the town said.
The town is required to obtain approval from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks to open a temporary waste drop-off site. Approval has been requested, with a response from the ministry expected imminently. Once received, timing for the phased opening will be shared as quickly as possible via the town’s website and social media channels. Residents can also subscribe to receive emailed updates directly to their inbox at whitby.ca/subscribe. Information on the temporary waste drop-off locations will also be delivered to properties near the sites.
Whitby asked residents to note:
- Regular curbside garbage and green bin collection offered by the town is currently suspended in all areas outside of West Whitby (see map), which has service contracted to a third party.
- Leaf and yard waste collection is suspended across the community until further notice.
- Curbside blue box collection continues. It is provided by the Region of Durham and is not impacted by this strike.
Whitby prioritizing services
The town said it is now prioritizing essential services delivery and health and safety related matters. This means that, effective immediately, all town facilities, recreation programs and services, and in-person customer service desks are closed to the public, except for the Whitby Public Library Central and Rossland branch locations.
Many programs and services have also been suspended or modified, including recreation programs and special events. For details or information on how to contact the town during this time, visit whitby.ca/2023labourdisruption.
The town said its current proposal includes significant benefit improvements and a 9.5 per cent wage increase over the next three years, in line with or better than the average negotiated increase in other recent CUPE agreements. It also includes modifications to ensure there is minimal impact to current employees, while providing needed flexibility to respond to changing community needs in the future.
Blue Box recycling collection continues
The Regional Municipality of Durham said the Whitby strike does not involve Durham Region or its employees.
The region will continue normal curbside collection and processing of Blue Box materials for the Town of Whitby residents. Garbage, leaf and yard waste, and green bin collection for Whitby residents is managed by the Town of Whitby. The Region of Durham will continue normal operation of its Waste Management Facilities. Leaf and yard waste is not accepted at these facilities.
During the labour disruption, the region said wait times may be longer than usual. Please remain patient and respectful while waiting your turn at any of the facilities. For more information, including locations, hours of operation, and acceptable material, visit durham.ca/wmf.
Durham Regional Headquarters remains open:
Visitors and staff arriving at Durham Regional Headquarters (HQ) (605 Rossland Road East in Whitby) may observe picket lines at the Town of Whitby’s town hall, located next to HQ. Visitors are asked to use the driveway entrance off Garden Street only to access Regional Headquarters during the labour disruption. If encountering picket lines, please keep the following tips in mind:
- Be prepared for large crowds.
- If arriving by car, please drive slowly.
- Be patient and courteous.
- Arrive early; allow for extra time since delays are likely.