Toronto City Council Ratifies New Agreement with CUPE Local 79, Avoids Service Disruptions
TORONTO — Toronto City Council has officially ratified a new four-year collective agreement with CUPE Local 79, the union representing approximately 27,000 of the City’s inside workers. The move finalizes a deal reached earlier this month and avoids any disruption to critical municipal services.
The agreement, which covers the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028, was previously ratified by union members on Saturday, March 22. CUPE Local 79 represents a broad range of city employees, including those working in public health, social services, recreation, bylaw enforcement, and long-term care facilities.
Key highlights of the agreement include:
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Wage increases in 2025 ranging from $1.60 to $1.65 per hour, or 3.95%, depending on wage grade.
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Annual wage increases from 2026 to 2028 ranging between 3% and 3.9%.
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Market-based wage adjustments for key roles such as nurse practitioners, emergency medical dispatchers, prosecutors, and municipal standards officers.
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Improved shift premiums and expanded paramedical benefits.
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Increased guaranteed hours for long-term care workers.
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Enhanced eligibility for benefits and pensions for part-time recreation workers, all of whom will now earn above minimum wage.
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New cost-saving measures, including “reasonable and customary” benefit caps.
In a statement, Mayor Olivia Chow emphasized the importance of the agreement, saying, “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.”
The deal comes amid broader discussions about the future of public service delivery in Toronto as the city faces ongoing budget pressures and rising service demands. City officials expect operational efficiencies introduced in the new agreement to help offset some of those costs.
The agreement marks one of the largest public sector labour resolutions in the province this year and provides stability for the city’s frontline services as Toronto heads into the summer season.
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