City Provides Update on Water and Sewer Strike
Posted on 10/29/2025
The City of Charlottetown is providing an update on the ongoing labour disruption involving CUPE 830, the union representing approximately 30 water and sewer employees who are currently on strike.
Bargaining update
The City and CUPE 830 negotiating teams met most recently on Oct. 15 with a conciliator appointed by the province in an attempt to resolve outstanding issues. While the City has made concessions to address the union’s concerns over job security, negotiations related to wages have so far been unsuccessful. The union’s recent attempts to disrupt City business have been disappointing and counterproductive. The City remains committed to maintaining a respectful dialogue and working collaboratively toward a constructive resolution.
City’s offer
The City has offered a 2 per cent wage increase to the union (8 per cent over four years), similar to what it has negotiated with other employee groups. The City has also offered an incentive for employees that achieve levels of certification above those listed in their job descriptions. The City believes these increases provide Utility employees with a fair wage, encourages employees to achieve higher levels of water and wastewater certification, and is fiscally responsible to taxpayers.
In addition to the offered increases, all City of Charlottetown collective agreements include cost of living adjustments to protect employee wages in times of high inflation. All employees received wage increases of 4.1 per cent in 2021 and 7.8 per cent in 2022, when inflation on P.E.I. was at its highest in recent years. The current offer of adding four years of 2 per cent increases results in wage increases of 21.5 per cent over six years by January 2026. The City believes its wage offer to Utility employees is fair and reasonable.
The City remains committed to maintaining essential services until a negotiated agreement is reached with the union.