An online poll of Torontonians found that 81% support investments in city-run services.
The most commonly used city services among respondents were parks, pools and wading pads (37%), recreation programming and community centres (25%), employment services (20%) and 311 (16%).
Among those that expressed an opinion, 60% of respondents believe that all City of Toronto workers should make above minimum wage given the current cost of living, and 75% agree that in a scenario where workers are leaving for higher paying jobs the City should respond with targeted pay increases.
On negotiations with Local 79, 73% of those asked believe that Mayor Chow and City Council should work to reach a deal with city workers.
“On the eve of the vote for the 2025 City of Toronto budget, it is clear the residents of Toronto want to see city workers make above a poverty wage after nearly two decades of austerity. Torontonians understand that minimum wage just isn’t cutting it and that investments in our services and in the workers who deliver those services are necessary”, said Nas Yadollahi, President of CUPE Local 79.
Local 79 has been highlighting the crises across City of Toronto divisions from nearly two decades of austerity. Most importantly – the Local has spoken about part-time recreation workers who make minimum wage.
An online survey of representative sample of 1,001 Torontonians was commissioned by CUPE Local 79, and executed by Crestview Strategy. The survey was fielded between February 5 and 7, 2025.
The President of CUPE Local 79, Nas Yadollahi, is available for comment.
CUPE Local 79 represents 30,000 workers at the City of Toronto, delivering a wide range of services, including: public health, planning, City Hall operations, employment & social services, cleaning, court services, ambulance dispatch, child care, 311, recreation programming, shelters, water & food inspection, and long-term care.
