Voting runs through Friday, August 14, with results expected the following Monday. The unions represent a broad swath of municipal staff who have been operating without a contract since early July. Union leadership argues that while the city claims budget constraints, it has prioritized subsidies—including $325 million for hockey arena renovations and various AI corporate contracts—over fair compensation for its own workforce.

Representatives from both locals gathered at City Hall Plaza on Tuesday to launch the voting process, signaling their willingness to walk off the job if city officials do not return to the table with improved terms. The unions contend that the city’s fiscal strategy unfairly protects large corporations at the expense of public services and working families, leaving a labor stoppage as their remaining tool to secure a new agreement.