Niagara Parks workers have reached a tentative agreement with the Niagara Parks Commission, narrowly avoiding a strike in one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations. Members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 217 ratified the contract on Friday May 29th, voting 67 per cent in favour. They are relieved to avoid service disruptions to more than 56 kilometres of tourist attractions including Table Rock, Floral Clock, Power Station, the Butterfly Conservatory, and the School of Horticulture.
Some highlights of the new agreement include:
Wage increases:
- November 1, 2025 2.75%
- November 1, 2026 2.25%
- November 1, 2027 2.00%
Improvements for seasonal workers: Conversion to percentage in lieu from dollars. NEW $1.55/$1.65/$1.75 in lieu of benefits (Y1/Y2/Y3) commencing July 1, 2026.
Improvements to Health Benefits for Full-time Workers: major restorative to include dental implants, up to $2500; paramedical increase to $1000; mental health separated out and increased to $1000
Shift Premium Increases: 5pm to midnight increased $0.05 to $0.60; Midnight to 7am increased $0.05 to $0.85
Safety Footwear increased: dollar amount increased to $230 from $200
Attendance Credits: workers can use two sick days for personal reasons
The contract comes less than two weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to bring thousands of tourists from around the world to the Region’s attractions, hotels, and restaurants.