TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 3, 2016) - The bargaining team representing members of Local 79 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE Local 79) today agreed to terms on a tentative four-year contract with the City of Toronto.

"In every round of bargaining, you set out to get the best deal possible at that time, under those circumstances," said Tim Maguire, President of Local 79. "While this was a very difficult round of negotiations, we believe we have secured the best possible collective agreements for our members, ensuring they will continue to be able to deliver the great services Toronto residents depend on."

He added that the Local 79 Bargaining Committee would be recommending acceptance of the tentative agreement to members.

Part-time employees at the City's ten long-term care (LTC) facilities will have their contract sent directly to interest arbitration, as outstanding issues remain and these workers do not have the right to strike.

Local 79 represents about 20,000 frontline workers in four units. The union will not comment on or discuss details of the four agreements until members have been given an opportunity to vote on ratification.

Maguire will hold a brief media availability at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday March 3, in the Gallery Room at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, located at 123 Queen Street West, across from Toronto City Hall.