CUPE 416 has a “basis for a deal” with the City of Toronto early this morning. But picket lines will stay up until CUPE 79 reaches a settlement.
CUPE 416 president Mark Ferguson told globeandmail.com, “The deal we reached we believe to be a fair deal. It’s a deal that we are proud of.”
CUPE 79 remains in intensive negotiations with the city.
Mark Ferguson’s statement to the media:
I’m pleased to say we have the basis for a deal.
We still have the final pieces to put together.
I’ve said from the beginning that we will end this strike as it began – with our sister Local 79.
I’d ask the city to now shift their focus to Local 79 so they can conclude a collective agreement right away.
I’m so proud of my members for holding the line, standing up for their rights and give their bargaining committee the ability to fight back all the concessions the city sought from us.
I want to thank the public for their patience and reassure you that our members are looking forward to resuming the work they do so proudly.