Minutes before CUPE Local 416 reached its strike deadline, the union representing thousands of municipal workers and the City of Toronto announced a tentative agreement had been reached.
“The five-year agreement is fair to Toronto residents and Local 416 workers,” a joint statement issued by both sides Friday night said.
“All City services, including City-owned arenas, remain open as usual. Curbside and commercial garbage collection will also continue as scheduled.”
About 5,000 City employees – often referred to as “outside workers” – were without a contract since Dec. 31.
The union said provisions around job security for senior employees have been the primary sticking point during contract talks, which were facilitated by a mediator in recent days.
The City of Toronto previously said garbage collection, recreation centres and City-owned event spaces would have all been affected if a strike were to occur.
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The original strike deadline was set for 12:01 a.m. on Thursday. However, both sides agreed to a 48-hour extension in talks.
The details of the tentative deal weren’t announced Friday night, pending reviews and approval votes by union members and Toronto city council.
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“The full details of the agreement will be made available following ratification by union members at a special meeting that they will hold, as well as a special meeting of city council that will take place sometime this coming week,” Toronto Mayor John Tory said in a press conference Saturday morning.
“This five-year agreement is timely, it is affordable, and it is responsible.”
CUPE Local 416 president Eddie Mariconda called it a “good deal” for both union members and city residents.
“This tentative agreement is a result of both parties working hard and sharing a commitment to a strong public service,” Mariconda said.
— With files from Ryan Rocca and The Canadian Press
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