TORONTO – The Toronto Transit Commission and a union representing around 700 workers in electrical, communications, and signals have announced they’ve come to a tentative labour agreement.
The TTC and CUPE Local 2 made this announcement in a statement on Monday afternoon.
This news comes after a deadline for potential job action, which had been extended once until 12 a. m. Saturday, passed on Saturday evening without reaching an agreement.
At that point, both parties indicated that discussions would continue.
Mandeep S. Lali, the CEO of the TTC, mentioned in the statement that since the agreement still needs approval from the union members and the TTC board, more details can’t be shared at this time.
However, he described it as a “one-year bridge deal” aimed at providing stability for the TTC to maintain its services today and ensure top-notch service during the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
“The agreement acknowledges the crucial role played by over 700 skilled tradespeople represented by CUPE Local 2 and helps align them with industry standards,” Lali stated.
“From day one, our goal has been to secure an agreement that’s fair to employees, comparable with similar industry contracts, and affordable for customers as well as taxpayers in the City.”
CUPE Local 2 president Sumit Guleria expressed pride in what their members achieved at the bargaining table and thanked riders and the public for their support.
“This collective agreement showcases the dedication and unity of nearly 700 skilled workers who keep Toronto’s transit system operating smoothly every day,” Guleria said.
The union also mentioned that specifics about the agreement will not be disclosed publicly right now.
This tentative deal arrives as Toronto prepares to host several matches during the forthcoming FIFA World Cup. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are anticipated for this international event.
A strike wouldn’t necessarily mean shutting down operations at TTC, according to a media spokesperson who added that there are contingency plans involving managers and supervisors being used instead.
CUPE Local 2 stated in their announcement on Monday that previously, the TTC had warned them about potentially locking out members if an agreement wasn’t reached by May 16.
Bargaining between CUPE Local 2 and TTC hit an impasse about a month after negotiations began according to statements from both sides.
The transit agency requested a no-board report from the Ministry of Labour late last month which initiated a countdown period of 17 days before any legal job action could occur.
This report by The Canadian Press was first May 18, 2026.
The Canadian Press
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