English
Thousands of administrative and technical staff at the University of Toronto have reached a tentative agreement with the institution, narrowly averting a strike just days after an overwhelming vote in favour of industrial action.
Strike Averted After Overwhelming Vote
Workers represented by United Steelworkers Local 1998 had voted 96 per cent in favour of striking as the new academic term began. Staff raised concerns about mounting workloads and a lack of meaningful progress on job security.
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Union president John Ankenman outlined the core grievances following the strike vote. “UofT says it will find $20 million in savings next year by not replacing employees who leave the university,” he said. “That will worsen the heavy workload burden that many of our members already face.”
Ankenman added that the university had not adequately addressed the union’s contract proposals. He described increased job security as the members’ top non-monetary priority in the negotiations.
Tentative Agreement Reached Before Deadline
By the start of the week, both sides had signed a tentative agreement. The deal now awaits ratification from the approximately 6,100 workers who had been prepared to walk off the job.
A spokesperson for United Steelworkers Local 1998 confirmed the agreement to Global News. However, the spokesperson noted that ratification dates had not yet been scheduled.
The University of Toronto also confirmed the deal in a separate statement. Kenneth Corts, the university’s Vice President of People, Finance and Digital Services, praised both negotiating teams for their conduct throughout the process.
“I would like to thank both bargaining teams for their professionalism and hard work throughout negotiations,” Corts said.
What Comes Next
The tentative agreement brings an end to weeks of tension between the university and its administrative and technical workforce. The University of Toronto’s plan to cut $20 million in staffing costs through attrition had been a central point of contention during talks.
The United Steelworkers Local 1998 University of Toronto dispute drew significant attention given the scale of workers involved and the timing, coinciding with the return of students to campus. Full details of the agreement will become public once members complete the ratification vote.
