FEO, May 28, 2026
A potential strike by Niagara Parks workers appears to have been avoided after Niagara Parks and OPSEU Local 217 announced a tentative agreement on May 28.
The agreement, which still requires ratification by both the union and the Niagara Parks Commission, covers more than 850 workers employed across Niagara Parks attractions and facilities. The bargaining unit includes full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees working in retail, maintenance, food services, tourism, and park operations along the 56-kilometre Niagara Parkway.
Earlier this month, workers publicly voiced concerns over wages and rising living costs. On May 9, approximately 120 union members participated in an informational picket in Niagara Falls to raise awareness of the ongoing negotiations.
“With the increased cost of inflation, high gas and food prices, my membership is finding it increasingly difficult to pay rent and basic living expenses,” said OPSEU Local 217 President Mike Goforth in a release issued before the tentative deal was reached.
Workers had warned they were prepared to strike if an agreement could not be reached before the start of the busy summer tourism season. Union members said a labour disruption could have impacted not only Niagara Parks operations, but also surrounding hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related businesses throughout the Niagara Region.
MPP Wayne Gates visited the informational picket earlier this month in support of the workers and later raised concerns in the Ontario Legislature about provincial involvement in negotiations.
“We’re getting ready for an incredible tourism season right now, getting ready for FIFA,” Gates said during Question Period on May 25. “If the province wants Niagara to be ready for the summer, then the Premier and Treasury Board need to step aside and let bargaining happen in good faith.”
Fort Erie, which serves as a southern gateway to the Niagara region, could also have felt the effects of a labour disruption. A strike would have led to closures at Niagara Parks attractions, restaurants, and heritage sites, potentially affecting retail businesses that benefit from tourism traffic passing through the community.
In a statement released Thursday, Niagara Parks confirmed all public-facing operations will continue as normal without interruption while the tentative agreement moves through the ratification process.
The previous collective agreement between Niagara Parks and OPSEU Local 217 expired on Oct. 31, 2025.
