Toronto and its workers bargain past deadline

Earlier Thursday, Mayor John Tory seemed optimistic that a labour disruption could be avoided.

CUPE 416, which represents about 6,000 outside workers, will be in a legal strike position as of 12:01 a.m. on Friday, while CUPE 76, which represents about 20,000 inside workers, will be able to walk off the job on Saturday.

Bargaining between the city and the two unions representing 5,400 outside and 23,000 inside workers continued into the evening Thursday.

Toronto’s budget – from the ballooning cost of policing to a host of unfunded capital projects – has become a talking point in the city’s ongoing labour negotiations with workers.

The union representing more than 4,200 city workers announced a tentative deal has been reached with the city hours after passing the midnight strike/lockout deadline.

“We are gratified by the support shown in these results”, said Tim Maguire, President of Local 79. “We know Toronto residents expect and deserve great services”, said Matt Alloway, spokesperson for Local 416. “Until then, we will not be making comment on or providing details of this deal”.

One apparent sticking point between the City and the unions has been the former’s demand of concessions on both health benefits and language around moving or dismissing workers. “But we need the city to be a willing partner, and stop the threats”, said Maguire.

“I don’t think we should be rushing this”, said Maguire.

In the event that a deal can’t be struck with inside workers, all city-operated child care centres would close, first aid courses would be cancelled, and fitness centres, rinks and pools would be shuttered.