City of Toronto, outside workers reach tentative deal

After an around-the-clock bargaining session, the City of Toronto and the union representing about 5,400 unionized outside workersincluding garbage collectors reached a tentative agreement this morning.

• Child care centres, community centres won't operate
• John Tory warns of 'real chance' ofstrike or lockout

The union, CUPE Local 416,made the announcement at an 11:15 a.m. news conference.

Spokesman Matt Allowaysaid the deal was hammered out after a "challenging round of bargaining."

"It's been a very long night for all of us," he said. "We do have an agreement."

He did not reveal any specifics about the deal or take any questions from reporters.

The tentative deal will now be presented to union members for ratification, which union leaders are recommending.

Less than an hour after the deal was announced, Mayor John Tory praised both union negotiators and the city's bargaining team for reaching what he described as a "responsible agreement."

"I am very pleased thatwe have come together in the best interests of our hard-working staff and the best interests of the people of Toronto," said Tory

"I'm sure that everybody involved is tired, because they worked through the night," he said.

CUPELocal 416, which represents garbage collectors, water department workers and other city staff, had negotiated past a midnight deadline,which meant that a strike or lockoutwaspossible as early as today.

The union had saidthey have pulled their demands for enhanced benefits.

Talks continue with inside workers

The city is still negotiatingwith members of CUPE Local 79, which represents about 23,000 inside workers, who could also be in a strike or lockout positionif a deal isn't reached by midnight Saturday.

Union leaders have said they're trying to enhance job security and protect benefits.

Tory, however, has said the city can't afford more money for pay and benefits packages, saying they're already generous.

"More heavy lifting remains," said Tory. "We still have much work to do in a short period of timeto get a responsible agreement with Local 79."

The city's contract with both CUPE Locals struck in2012 expired on Dec. 31.