City workers are fighting back and the deadline is almost near. CUPE Local 79, which represents the City of Toronto's inside workers, looks set to potentially go on strike soon, and the 6ix has outlined its contingency plan if that happens. Many recreational activities and city services would likely be cancelled as the Toronto City staff strike could see 24,000 workers walk off their jobs as early as March 14. During a press conference on Monday, March 9, Toronto's City Manager Chris Murray detailed the city's contingency plan if indoor city staff take action. This plan will go into effect if a deal isn't reached by 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, March 14. The City's plan states that emergency response units, the TTC, and Toronto Community Housing would not be affected. However, it has highlighted on its website what could potentially be affected and it doesn't sound great. Toronto Islands Park will not be accessible, while locations such as Nathan Phillips Square and City community and rec centres, pools, ski hills, and some rinks will be shuttered. March Break programs at City venues will also be scrapped. However, arguably more concerning than the lack of recreational opportunities is that non-emergency medical services like immunization and sexual health clinics will be suspended. Toronto’s City Manager is detailing the city’s contingency plan if CUPE Local 79 (inside workers) go on strike or are locked out. The deadline for that possible labour disruption could happen as early as 12:01 on Saturday. #TOpoli pic.twitter.com/zAjcV5YbeB— Matthew Bingley (@mattybing) March 9, 2020 Employment services like job fairs and environmental programs such as BetterHomesTO, SolarTO, LiveGreen, Smart Commute would also have to be cancelled indefinitely. “The best possible contingency plan is to negotiate a fair contract,” says Dave Mitchell, President of Local 79 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, per Business Wire via the Financial Post. “Our focus remains on doing the work necessary to conclude negotiations without a labour disruption, but time is running out." Local 79 represents thousands of City workers and is aiming to negotiate its contract in terms of job security, improving working conditions for part-time and recreation employees. Labour disruption would impact city-run child care, rec centres and programming, ”non-critical” TPH operations and administrative services. pic.twitter.com/7AyJzswsbz— Mark McAllister (@McAllister_Mark) March 9, 2020 Similar issues have recently arisen in Hamilton after officials refused to increase wages for their City workers in part-time and student job positions. Meanwhile, a meeting held on March 6 saw the City Council approve a new agreement between Toronto and CUPE Local 416, the union representing the City’s 5,000 outside workers, per CP24. CUPE Local 79 has been without a contract since it expired at the end of last year. The full assessment of services that would and would not be impacted by a strike can be viewed here.
