Windsor eliminates 38 part-time caretaker jobs after talks with CUPE Local 82 fail to secure job protection for full-time positions.
Dozens Lose Jobs at City Arenas and Centres
The City of Windsor has terminated 38 seasonal and part-time caretaker roles at community centres and arenas after negotiations with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 82 failed to yield a job protection agreement. The layoffs took effect earlier this month and impact a range of workers, from university students to long-serving part-time employees.
Dispute Rooted in Full-Time Job Security
CUPE Local 82 President Rob Kolody said the union’s key demand was a memorandum of understanding that would protect full-time, permanent positions from elimination while seasonal staff are employed. “We lost nine full-time jobs in the last round of bargaining alone. We simply asked that no more be cut while seasonal workers are on the payroll,” said Kolody.
Despite months of talks, both sides were unable to reach a final deal. Kolody noted the union and city came close to an agreement after 19 months of negotiations but ultimately fell short.
City Offers No Comment on Layoffs
A spokesperson for the City of Windsor declined to provide comment when asked about the staff reductions. The decision marks a significant operational shift in the city’s approach to facility maintenance.
Kolody remains hopeful a future agreement could reverse the decision. “The jobs can still come back if we reach an understanding that full-time positions won’t be sacrificed while seasonal ones are active,” he said.
Increased Pressure on Remaining Staff
The layoffs leave just eight full-time caretakers responsible for maintaining dozens of city-owned facilities. According to Kolody, full-time employees are now being rotated through inconsistent shifts and required to cover multiple locations in a single day.
“Garbage is piling up, floors aren’t being cleaned as frequently — it’s just not possible for eight people to do the work that nearly 50 used to handle,” he said.
Seasonal Workers Used Jobs as Career Starters
Many of the terminated employees worked close to 40 hours per week and viewed the positions as stepping stones toward permanent employment with the city. Some had worked for over a decade in these roles, building experience and ties within their departments.
The eliminated jobs spanned multiple facilities, including community centres, ice rinks, and local arenas across Windsor.
New Contract Ratified Despite Cuts
Earlier this year, CUPE Local 82 ratified a four-year agreement with the city, which includes a 14% wage increase. However, the contract did not address the union’s core concern over job security, paving the way for the caretaker cuts that followed.
Kolody emphasized the union’s long-standing position: “We can’t support a system where full-time jobs are eliminated while seasonal ones continue. That’s a fundamental issue for us.”
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