Statement by Mayor Rob Ford
Mayor Rob Ford remarks on the collective agreement with Toronto Civic Employees' Union Local 416 (CUPE)
February 15, 2012
Today, I am very pleased to announce Council has approved a new collective agreement with CUPE Local 416. This is great news for Toronto taxpayers, residents and City employees.
This collective agreement meets the mandate set by the City's Employee & Labour Relations Committee and it will provide the City with the flexibility to improve customer service, while giving taxpayers the best value for their tax dollars.
This contract is not just about wages. It's about customer service and flexibility. Let me be very clear… This round of bargaining was about making the changes we need to improve City services while managing costs. This means City managers will able to run their divisions, departments and sections more efficiently. That's great news for taxpayers.
I am very proud to say we accomplished this – and without a labour disruption. Some said it could never be done. Well, we did it.
Local 416 leaders sat down with the City's bargaining team and, together, they hammered out a deal that works for everyone. I'm proud of them all. This collective agreement will take us through the next four years with confidence and labour stability during many upcoming major events and the 2015 Pan Am Games.
This agreement recognizes our EMS works as an essential service – something I promised to do during the campaign. Today, we've delivered on that promise.
This agreement will save taxpayers up to $100 million and allow City managers to improve customer service through more flexible work practices. City staff estimates there will be over $35 million in productivity gains from improved efficiency. There will be $54 million saved from reductions to the city's liabilities for post-age 65 retiree benefits. In total, this agreement will save taxpayers up to $100 million. Greater flexibility in shift scheduling and more efficient, modern work practices will save millions of dollars more.
I would like to thank Deputy Mayor Holyday, City Manager Joe Pennachetti, Executive Director of Human Resources Bruce Anderson, our Chief negotiator Robert Reynolds, and all of their staff – for their hard work making this agreement possible.
I would also like to note my appreciation for the work done by Mark Ferguson and the leadership of CUPE Local 416. They remained committed to the best interests of their members through the entire process, and were willing to work with us to find a deal that works for employees as well as taxpayers.
Lastly, I would like to thank my Council colleagues for unanimously supporting a collective agreement that benefits Toronto's taxpayers, residents and outdoor workers.
This agreement will help move Toronto forward on a strong, stable footing.
Thank you.