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TORONTO, Ont. – City of Toronto “outside” workers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike mandate for their negotiating committee, to call a strike if a settlement cannot be reached with City management. The workers, members of the Toronto Civic Employees Union, Local 416 (CUPE), voted 85% in favour of the strike mandate.

This sends a strong signal to City negotiators and local politicians,” said Brian Cochrane, president of Local 416. “If the City fails to address the issues of concern to Local 416 and its members, 6,000 workers are now set to withdraw their services next Friday, July 8th.”

The union will be in a legal strike position at 12:01 am, Friday, July 8th. At that time the employer may also lock out the workers if no agreement has been reached.

Our members are not looking forward to the possibility of a strike, but with this vote, they have told us they are prepared to do what is necessary to secure a collective agreement that respects them and their work,” said Cochrane.

We continue to be available to negotiate with the City,” said Cochrane. “We would much prefer to reach a negotiated settlement, but clearly our members are prepared to strike if necessary.”

Local 416 represents 6,000 outside workers in Toronto, including water/wastewater workers, paramedics (EMS), solid waste workers, parks and recreation workers, corporate services and transportation workers.

For further information, please contact:
Robert Lamoureux
CUPE Communications
416-292-3999, ext. 216 (voicemail)
416-727-9144 (cell)