Inside workers strike tentative agreement with city

CUPE Local 79 wins four-year contract

The union representing inside workers has reached an agreement with the city.

After months of negotiations of CUPE Local 79 has accepted a four-year contract with the City of Toronto.

“It was a tough round of negotiations,” local president Tim Maguire said at a press conference today. “There were months that there didn’t seem to be any movement. It started moving a couple weeks ago.”

He felt pride in his members and negotiating committee that got the deal done with the city, he said.

After a brief setback on the weekend, talks got back on track and both sides were able to find common ground.

Maguire addressed questions regarding Mayor John Tory and his comments stressing the belief that a deal that would not get done.

I think we’re in an era of aggressive bargaining by employers, and that’s unfortunate,” he said. “I can’t speak for the mayor, the last two weeks have been tough slogging for us. I would have wished that the city would have been less reluctant to move forward on the issues.” 

In response, John Tory said that despite the comments made between the two sides, he still has admiration for Maguire.

“Tim Maguire has a job to do and I respect that,” he said. “It didn’t get personal. He is one of the people I am looking forward to working with.” 

The next step in the process comes in a few days when the union’s 20,000 members will face a ratification vote.

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Posted: Mar 3 2016 11:55 am
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