TTC, union reach tentative deal

The agreement stops potential transit service disruptions during FIFA World Cup matches in Toronto

Published May 18, 2026  •  1 minute read

The TTC has reached a deal with the electrical workers union. Photo by Destination Toronto

The TTC on Monday reached a tentative agreement with the union representing its electrical and signal workers.

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TTC calls the agreement a “one-year bridge deal,” which will avert potential service disruptions before the start of the FIFA World Cup. It comes after both parties agreed to deadline extensions over the past weekend.

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“This one-year bridge deal provides immediate certainty for our employees, our customers, and the city,” TTC CEO Mandeep Lali said in a statement. “It provides the stability we need to continue delivering service today, including providing world-class service during the FIFA World Cup 2026TM. As the agreement still needs to be ratified by the union membership and the TTC Board, we cannot share further details at this time.”

Union likes the deal

CUPE Local 2, representing 700 communications, electrical and signal workers who maintain TTC infrastructure, said it was pleased that both sides had come to a deal.

“We’re proud of what our members achieved at the bargaining table and grateful for the support we received from riders and the public throughout negotiations,” CUPE Local 2 president Sumit Guleria said. “This collective agreement reflects the hard work and solidarity of nearly 700 skilled workers who keep Toronto’s transit system running every day.”

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The deal now moves to ratification by the TTC board and union members. Neither party is releasing details of the agreement.

FIFA around the corner

With the FIFA World Cup games and festivities coming to Toronto very soon, service disruptions would have been severe. Match days include June 12, June 17, June 20, June 23, June 26 and July 2. The TTC is planning to boost service on Lines 1 and 2, along with transit-only lanes on Dufferin Bathurst Sts. south of Bloor St., and the creation of a new transit hub at Fleet St. and Strachan Ave. Service on the 509 Harbourfront and 511 Bathurst routes will also see an increase. For more, visit the TTC’s FIFA information page.

– with files from Jane Stevenson

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