Strike averted after TTC electrical and trades workers reach tentative deal

A tentative deal has been reached between the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and its electrical and trades workers, averting a strike that was set to begin on Monday.

CUPE Local 2, which represents more than 650 TTC workers, says they reached the deal early on Monday after a weekend of intense negotiations. The electrical and trades employees have been without a contract since April 2022.

The union didn’t disclose the specifics of the agreement, but Sumit Guleria, President of CUPE Local 2, called it a significant win for members and said negotiated wages would provide much-needed relief from the rising cost of living.

Had the walkout happened, it would have been the first time in more than a decade that any unionized TTC workers have taken job action after a landmark 2023 court ruling overturned a law banning TTC employees from striking.

“This is a fair deal that is affordable for the TTC and respectful of the important work the 650 members of CUPE Local 2 do every day to keep our system safe and our service reliable,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary.

Cupe Local 2 said that the demand for a fair wage increase was at the core of the negotiated issues, with workers advocating for a raise to ensure their earnings remained “in step with the surging inflation rates.”

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said she’s pleased the TTC and CUPE Local 2 reached the tentative agreement through the collective bargaining process.

“This ensures no disruption to the transit service the people of Toronto rely on every day,” Chow wrote on X. “I would like to thank the TTC, CUPE Local 2 and the TTC board for their ongoing commitment to providing a reliable, affordable and safe public transit system for the people of Toronto.”