Toronto City Workers Set to Strike, March Break Camps and Childcare Services at Risk
Toronto faces a potential city-wide disruption as CUPE Local 79, representing 27,000 Toronto city workers, plans to strike starting Monday, March 10, 2025. This action could halt city-run March Break camps and close dozens of childcare centers across the city.
City Workers Reject Final Wage Offer
The strike threat follows unsuccessful negotiations between CUPE Local 79 and the City of Toronto. On March 5, 2025, union president Nas Yadollahi announced that the city’s final offer failed to meet wage demands.
The city’s proposal includes:
- 14.65% wage increase over four years for all positions.
- Higher pay adjustments for child care workers (16.7%), personal support workers (16.8%), and registered nurses (22%).
- New benefits, including family-building and gender-affirming care.
- Benefits extension for part-time workers.
Yadollahi stated the union would present a counteroffer, emphasizing that workers need fair wages to cope with inflation. If no agreement is reached by midnight on Monday, the strike will proceed.
March Break Camps and Childcare Closures
The city confirmed that a strike would force the closure of all 39 city-run early learning and childcare centers. March Break camps, enrolling 4,800 children, would also be canceled.
Refunds will be issued for paid programs, and families using city-run childcare will not be charged during the closure.
Impact on Public Services
The strike will disrupt key city services, including:
- Recreation centers and community programs will shut down.
- 311 call center support may be limited.
- Social services, shelter programs, and public health offices could experience delays.
- Water and food inspection services may face operational slowdowns.
City Manager Paul Johnson assured that essential services, including long-term care homes and emergency shelters, will continue operating.
City and Union Remain in Negotiations
Mayor Olivia Chow expressed hope that both parties would reach an agreement before the strike deadline.
“The best deal comes through negotiation,” Chow said. “I hope the city and Local 79 can find a solution.”
Yadollahi pushed back against claims that a strike is inevitable, stating that the city must negotiate in good faith. She also criticized Toronto officials for downplaying the impact of a strike, arguing that city understaffing is already at a crisis point.
Next Steps
Negotiations continue in the days leading up to the March 10 strike deadline. If a deal is not reached, thousands of families and city service users will face disruptions.
The city urges residents to monitor updates on service availability and make contingency
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