TORONTO – The city and the union representing inside workers have agreed to a further extension of a strike deadline as labour talks continue with aims to avoid a major work stoppage.
CUPE Local 79 and the city initially agreed to a 24-hour extension Friday, avoiding a potential strike or lockout that would have taken effect at 12:01 Saturday morning.
“I think it’s good news that we’re continuing to talk,” CUPE Local 79 President Tim Maguire said Saturday afternoon. “Take it as sign that the parties want to find a settlement.”
On Friday, Maguire told reporters that the union and city remained “far apart” on some key issues.
READ MORE: Toronto outside workers reach tentative labour deal with city after marathon talks
The union represents 23,100 indoor workers, including employees at child care centres, emergency shelters, libraries and sewage treatment facilities.