Toronto's government says a collective agreement with unionized workers needs to be adjusted to reflect financial problems facing the city today.
An explanation about the collective bargaining process between the city and CUPE Locals 416, 79 and 2998 was posted on the City of Toronto's website on Thursday, outlining the process and defending the city's decision to push for significant changes to the deal.
"Governments across the country and around the world face significant fiscal challenges," the note states. "The City of Toronto is not immune from these challenges and needs to make changes to its collective agreements to reflect our fiscal reality."
CUPE Local 416 represents 6,000 outdoor workers, while Local 79 represents 22,000 inside workers and Local 2998 represents 270 community centre staff.
The unions' current deal with the city is set to expire on Dec. 31.
Earlier this week CUPE Local 416 President Mark Fergusson said the city has presented him with a long list of demands, including killing job security provisions known as the "jobs for life" clause.
In its note on Thursday, the City said it would not discuss the proposed changes publicly, but said the deal needs to change to reflect "fiscal reality."
Toronto says the new deal must also:
- modernize its agreements to ensure services can be delivered effectively
- remove expensive and restrictive provisions that hamstring management
- establish a plan that controls future spending
The City said it opened contract negotiations on Oct. 4 and met with Local 416 on Oct. 19, but no further meetings have been scheduled.
The City added that they have not received any response from Local 79.
On Wednesday, the city filed a complaint against that union with the Ontario Labour Relations Board and has asked the Ministry of Labour to appoint a conciliator.
