Full Breakdown
University of Toronto Staff Reach Tentative Agreement Amid Strike Vote
9/9/2026, 1:17:34 AM
Core Event
Administrative and technical employees represented by United Steelworkers Local 1998 have secured a tentative contract with the University of Toronto. The deal was announced hours before the start of the fall semester and is pending ratification by the roughly 6,100-member staff unit that had voted overwhelmingly—96 % in favor—to strike.
Background and Negotiation Timeline
The agreement follows three months of negotiations, including intensive bargaining sessions that extended into the early hours of a Tuesday and covered the Labour Day weekend. Workers were in a legal strike position when the tentative deal was announced. Both parties described the process as “professional and hard-working” throughout the talks.
Data and Union Demands
- Strike vote: 96 % of the bargaining unit supported strike action.
- Membership: About 6,100 staff members are covered by the agreement.
- University cost-saving claim: The university plans to achieve $20 million in savings next year by not replacing employees who leave, a point highlighted by the union as a factor that would increase workload burdens.
Official Statements & Responses
Kenneth Corts, vice-president of People, Finance and Digital Services at the university, thanked both bargaining teams for their professionalism and urged all employees in the unit to participate in the ratification process. The university confirmed that the tentative agreement reflects the outcome of the negotiations, while a spokesperson for United Steelworkers Local 1998 confirmed the deal and noted that ratification dates have yet to be set.
Verbatim Quotes
- “UofT says it will find $20 million in savings next year by not replacing employees who leave the university,” — John Ankenman, president of Local 1998, after the strike vote
- “I would like to thank both bargaining teams for their professionalism and hard work throughout negotiations,” — Kenneth Corts
