Riverview Park and Zoo would close to the public if a labour disruption occurs involving around 78 City of Peterborough employees, although the city says drinking water safety and other municipal services would be maintained.
In a media release issued Friday afternoon (September 11), the city said negotiations are continuing with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 636, which represents employees in various areas, including water services and Riverview Park and Zoo.
According to the city, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development issued a no-board report as part of the collective bargaining process. The report formally indicates that a conciliation board will not be appointed to resolve the dispute and begins a 17-day waiting period before a legal strike or lockout can occur.
With the waiting period over, the union is now in a legal strike position and the city is in a legal lockout position.
However, the city says no labour disruption is underway and there is no immediate impact on services.
Should a strike or lockout take place, the city says it has prepared contingency plans to minimize service disruptions.
Those plans include closing the Riverview Park and Zoo to the public so remaining staff can focus on caring for the animals.
“The closure of the zoo is required to dedicate the full attention and resources of the remaining staff to the care, health and wellbeing of the animals at the zoo,” the city states in its release.
Riverview Park and Zoo’s popular miniature train ride would also close during a labour disruption.
For water services, the city says measures are in place to maintain the safety and reliability of Peterborough’s drinking water system.
“Water treatment, monitoring, sampling, testing, and regulatory compliance requirements will continue to be maintained throughout any labour disruption,” the release states. “The City is working collaboratively with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to ensure all requirements under Ontario’s drinking water regulations will continue to be met.”
Other city services would be maintained, although residents and customers could experience delays with water services inquiries directed to Service Peterborough at City Hall.
City Hall would remain open, and the clerk’s office, building services, and provincial offences office would be unaffected by a labour disruption. Some municipal services are also available online at the city’s website.
The city has not provided an update on the status of negotiations with the union, stating that details are confidential.
“The City remains committed to an agreement with IBEW Local 636 that supports employees and residents,” the release adds.
The City of Peterborough employs approximately 1,400 people.
