Workers responsible for Toronto's community housing and seniors' support services have taken a significant step toward potential job action, with union members voting decisively in favor of a strike mandate.
Union Takes Firm Stance in Contract Negotiations
CUPE Local 79, representing city social housing staff and seniors' support workers, announced the results of their strike vote on November 7, 2025. The union has subsequently filed a no-board report, signaling escalating tensions in ongoing contract negotiations.
The strike mandate gives union leadership the authority to call job action if necessary, though no immediate strike has been announced. The move represents increasing pressure on municipal officials to address worker concerns in the critical social services sector.
What Toronto Housing Workers Are Demanding
While specific details of the bargaining positions remain at the negotiation table, the union has emphasized that their members are seeking improvements in several key areas. These include wage increases that keep pace with inflation, better working conditions, and enhanced staffing levels to adequately serve Toronto's vulnerable populations.
The workers represented by CUPE Local 79 play crucial roles in maintaining Toronto's social housing infrastructure and providing essential support services to senior citizens. Their responsibilities include building maintenance, tenant support, and direct care for elderly residents in city-supported facilities.
Potential Impact on Toronto Residents
If job action proceeds, thousands of Toronto residents living in social housing and receiving seniors' support services could face service disruptions. The timing is particularly concerning as the city approaches winter months, when reliable housing services become even more critical for vulnerable populations.
The filing of the no-board report starts a clock on negotiations, typically allowing for a 17-day cooling-off period before legal strike action can begin. This provides a window for both parties to return to the bargaining table and reach a negotiated settlement.
Union officials have stated they remain hopeful that a fair agreement can be reached without resorting to strike action, but emphasize that their members are prepared to take necessary steps to secure a satisfactory contract.
