Toronto mayoral candidate Ana Bailão gets some early backing from unions. Does that spell trouble for Olivia Chow?

As reporters left Chow’s press conference at a rooftop restaurant in Chinatown, two campaigners from her rival Ana Bailão’s team stood by the elevator, handing out a list of labour unions which had endorsed their candidate. But Bailão receiving the blessing of major public sector unions like the CUPE locals is one of the early surprises in the Toronto mayor’s race. One expert says it spells trouble for Chow, while also revealing how labour politics have shifted in recent years. On Tuesday, CUPE Local 79, which represents 20,000 indoor city workers, announced it was also endorsing Bailão. Unite Here Local 75, which represents hospitality workers, and Carpenters’ Local 27, are also backing her.