GTHL may have to cancel some games and practices if Toronto City workers strike

The Greater Toronto Hockey League released a statement today ahead of the looming strike by City of Toronto outside workers. The statement reads:

The GTHL and its member organizations have been monitoring the possibility of a work stoppage affecting the City of Toronto Recreation Facilities.

In the event of a work stoppage, all City of Toronto facilities operated by unionized staff, including ice facilities, will not be accessible. GTHL member organizations operating House League and Select programs will be communicating with families about the impact a work stoppage will have, if and when it occurs. 

This potential stoppage would have a major impact on these programs, as a majority of these programs operate solely in facilities that will be closed due to the stoppage. The GTHL “A”, “AA” and “AAA” programs will also be affected. The regular season for all of these divisions has been completed. 

Any work stoppage will have an impact on the playoff structures and Clancy/Founders Cup tournaments. Approximately 30% of games for these divisions are played in facilities that will be impacted by a work stoppage. 

GTHL will still have access to Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham arenas

The League has access to municipal facilities in Mississauga, Vaughan, and Markham, as well as several privately operated facilities across the GTA that will not be impacted by any stoppage. The balance of playoff games would all be moved to these facilities.

GTHL playoffs and tournaments may be affected

The first priority will be to attempt to maintain the current playoff structures. This may result in condensed schedules, meaning games may be played more frequently. This would be subject to change based on the length of any stoppage.In terms of the Clancy and Founders Tournaments, these events would be modified based on the length of a potential stoppage.

We will communicate further information as it becomes available.We appreciate your anticipated cooperation and understanding.

The City workers labour disruption involves members of TCEU Local 416 – CUPE, the union representing the City’s outside workers. The City’s approximately 5,000 outside workers will be in a legal strike position and the City in a legal lockout position as of 12:01 a.m. on February 27. They have postponed the possible strike day by 48 hours due to the impending snow storm but then it could be back on if a deal is not reached beforehand.

Here is a list of what will be impacted in the event of a City strike: totimes.ca