Toronto City Council ratifies collective agreement with CUPE Local 79

Earlier today, Toronto City Council ratified the new four-year collective agreement with Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 79, the union representing the City’s 27,000 inside workers. This follows the ratification by the bargaining unit members on Saturday, March 22.

The new agreement, reached on Saturday, March 8, meets the mandate of the City’s bargaining committee and avoids disruption to the critical services that Torontonians rely on.

Key highlights of the agreement renewed from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2028, include:

• In 2025, all members will receive wage increases ranging from $1.60 to $1.65 per hour or 3.95 per cent depending on the member’s specific wage grade.
• From 2026 to 2028, all members will receive annual wage increases of three to 3.9 per cent year over year.
• In addition, there are one-time market-based wage increases for workers such as nurse practitioners, paramedic call takers and emergency medical dispatchers, law clerks, prosecutors, family support workers and municipal standards officers.
• Increased guaranteed daily hours and shifts per pay period for staff working in long-term care homes.
• Increases to shift premiums and paramedical benefits.
• Ensuring all part-time recreation workers are paid above minimum wage and increase eligibility to City’s benefits and pension plan.
• Operational changes are expected to yield savings and efficiencies such as introducing “reasonable and customary” caps on eligible benefits.

Quote:

“Local 79 members have a critical role in keeping our City safe and healthy. This agreement recognizes their critical work while also providing value to Torontonians. Thank you to everyone who stayed at the bargaining table to ensure these vital City programs continue.”

– Mayor Olivia Chow

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.