As the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers face off in the 2025 World Series, two major union locals, CUPE 416 representing Toronto’s outside municipal workers, and Teamsters Local 396 representing logistics and sanitation workers in Los Angeles, have entered into a friendly wager to mark the occasion.
The agreement? Swag for solidarity.
Once the World Series is over, the losing local will proudly wear the winner’s union gear for a day.
“This is what solidarity looks like: rivalry with respect,” says Ted Aivalis, vice president of CUPE 416. “It’s a fun way to show that no matter what side of the scoreboard we’re on, we’re united in standing up for working people.”
Both locals see the wager as a way to promote cross-border union collaboration, highlight the shared struggles of public and private sector workers, and add a little fun to a season of hard work.
The two unions plan to post updates on their social media accounts throughout the series, showcasing how labour pride and sports spirit can bring people together — no matter who wins the World Series.