Toronto appears destined for a work stoppage with the city and its biggest union butting heads over a "jobs for life" clause just two weeks into contract negotiations.
CUPE Local 416 President Mark Fergusson said the city has presented him with a long list of demands and is requesting a litany of changes to its agreement with the union.
He said Mayor Rob Ford is taking aim at the "jobs for life" clause in the union's contract and is preparing to lock workers out in January.
"Nobody wins in a labour disruption," Ferguson told CP24 on Tuesday.
"The residents of this city don't win, our members don't win and we thought under the circumstances, with the history of this administration being reckless and irresponsible, that we had a duty to talk to Torontonians and let them know exactly what was at play."
CTV Toronto's Natalie Johnson reported that one of the city's biggest demands is a 10 per cent cut to employee benefits.
Another point of contention is proposed cuts to job security provisions – also known as the "jobs for life" clause. The provision means that union employees that are at risk of having their jobs contracted out will be given another job with the city.
The city confirmed on Tuesday that the departments of city planning and solid waste are preparing for a lockout
Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday, who is the chair of the employee and labour relations committee, says the city needs to be ready in the event of a work stoppage.
