The City and the union reached a negotiated settlement in March 2020, however the COVID-19 response efforts prevented ratification until now.
The details of the 5-year agreement include:
- Wage increases
§ 1.75% per year for the last two years
- Cap on erectile dysfunction drugs
- Dependents 18 years of age and under are able to obtain up to three pairs of orthotics or orthopedic devices a year
- Establishment of the Joint Benefits Committee to continue to work on the affordability and sustainability of the City’s benefit program
- Increased the maximum amount for psychologist services from $300 per benefit year to $1,000 per benefit year
- Changes to parental leave that fairly address recent changes to the Federal EI program, while increasing the top-up percentage so employees can receive the increased top-up payments for up to 12 months or elect to spread the same dollar value of the top-up payments over a period of up to 18 months.
- Continue to limit job security to employees who have reached 15 years seniority with the cut-off date extended to as of December 31, 2024.
CUPE Local 79 represents four bargaining units: Full-time; Unit B, Part-time; Long-Term Care Homes & Services, Part-time; and Recreation Workers, Part-time.
In March, the City reached a final agreement with TCEU Local 416 that was also ratified by the union membership and approved by City Council.
Quotes:
"I’m pleased that we came to a fair agreement in these negotiations. COVID-19 delayed our ratification, but today we have a five-year agreement that is timely, affordable, and responsible. I’d like to thank our staff who are continuing to deliver excellent services for our city during this pandemic. I appreciate their dedication and hard work for our residents."
- Mayor John Tory
"The bargaining committees for both City and CUPE Local 79 worked hard to come to an agreement without a labour disruption. I thank them for their efforts in delivering a fair outcome for both employees and the residents of our city."
- Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong, Chair of the Collective Bargaining Subcommittee
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