The Toronto Zoo has avoided a work stoppage, for now.
CUPE Local 1600 president Christine McKenzie, who represents more than 400 workers at the Toronto Zoo, said Friday that a tentative deal had been struck.
“We have a tentative agreement with management that we will be taking to our members on Monday for them to vote on,” McKenzie told CTV News.
No further details of the agreement will be made public until members have reviewed it.
Key issues at the negotiating table included changes to sick pay and benefits, taking a leave with or without pay and job security for workers.
Workers covered by the agreement include zookeepers, administrative staff, veterinary technicians, retail employees and staff members who look after the giant pandas that recently arrived in the city from China.
With the giant panda exhibit set to open May 18, a lockout or strike could have threatened the unveiling of Er Shun and Da Mao.
The Toronto Zoo workers will vote on the agreement on Monday evening.
