TTC reaches tentative agreement with union, averting transit disruption

Possible TTC disruptions weeks before the start of the FIFA World Cup have been averted as the transit agency reached a tentative agreement with the union representing its electrical and signal workers on Monday.

The agreement, which TTC CEO Mandeep Lali called a “one-year bridge deal,” came after both parties agreed to two deadline extensions over the weekend.

“This allows the TTC to attract, retain, and compensate these workers with wage levels that are more in line with market comparators,” Lali said in a statement.

He added that the deal will also provide “immediate certainty for our employees, our customers, and the city” and “stability we need to continue delivering service today, including providing world-class service during the FIFA World Cup 2026.”

CUPE Local 2, which represents 700 communications, electrical, and signal workers who maintain and repair critical TTC infrastructure, said in a statement that it was pleased that a deal had been reached.

“We’re proud of what our members achieved at the bargaining table and grateful for the support we received from riders and the public throughout negotiations,” CUPE Local 2 president Sumit Guleria said.

He noted in his statement that the TTC told the union it would lock out its members if no deal was reached by the May 16, 12 a.m. deadline.

The deadline was initially extended to 6 p.m. on Saturday before both parties agreed to keep bargaining beyond that time.

“This collective agreement reflects the hard work and solidarity of nearly 700 skilled workers who keep Toronto’s transit system running every day,” said Guleria, praising his members for staying “strong and united” during the negotiations.

Neither party is releasing details of the deal, as it needs to be ratified by the TTC board and union members.

Last week, the union said the main issues at the bargaining table were wages and scheduling.