CUPE 1883 ratifies contract with Region of Waterloo after major member-led campaign

Kitchener, ON – Members of CUPE 1883 have ratified a new collective agreement with the Region of Waterloo, securing improved job security and hybrid work language, landmark gender-affirming care benefits, and protections against gender-based violence after months of deep member organizing.

The agreement follows a campaign that saw CUPE 1883 members mobilize on an unprecedented scale, dedicating considerable time and energy to one-on-one conversations with a large proportion of their roughly 850 members. Those efforts paid off throughout the campaign, with 91 per cent of members participating in a September strike vote, hundreds attending rallies and dozens reaching out directly to Regional councillors.

Throughout the campaign, CUPE 1883 members made the case that defending the quality of public services means building a stable workforce capable of delivering them.

“This agreement was won because our members got organized and stayed active. Workers showed up, talked to each other, called councillors, held the line at a practice picket, and made it clear that the people who deliver public services in the Region of Waterloo deserve respect and fair compensation,” said Noelle Fletcher, president of CUPE 1883. “I’m incredibly proud of the organizing efforts and the deal they resulted in.”

One of the most significant gains is a wage increase that matches that of fellow Region of Waterloo bargaining unit CUPE 1656. That group is predominantly male, while CUPE 1883 represents a predominantly female workforce. Achieving the same wage increase is an important step in addressing the gender wage gap that has historically undervalued work performed by women.

The agreement includes an expansion of benefits through the introduction of gender-affirming care. These benefits remain uncommon in the municipal sector and will cover needs such as voice therapy and surgical care not covered by OHIP.

“This benefit sends a clear message to current and future employees that they are welcome here and that our union recognizes their needs,” said Fletcher.

The agreement also strengthens workplace protections by adding gender-based violence to the collective agreement, above existing Employment Standards Act protections related to sexual violence and intimate partner violence.

For CUPE 1883 members, these gains reflect a broader vision of what a modern collective agreement and a well-organized union can accomplish.

“We organized because we want to be a positive force for good, for our members and the people who rely on public services in the region. Responsible growth requires strong public services,” said Fletcher. “Today is a day to celebrate what workers can accomplish.”