U of T and workers' union reach tentative deal as classes begin

The University of Toronto and a union representing more than 6,000 staff have reached a tentative agreement after three months of negotiations and a weekend of bargaining. The deal came just before a deadline that could have led to a work stoppage in the first week of classes. The union’s staffappointed unit represents program coordinators, academic advisors, lab assistants and IT workers. The tentative agreement follows a strike mandate vote in which 96 per cent of ballots cast supported the move. The union said it will hold a town hall for members before a ratification vote, and the strike deadline has been extended while that process takes place. Issues in the talks included wages, benefits, remote work, job security and protections related to artificial intelligence.