Toronto city council is gathering for a crucial vote on ratifying a strike-ending deal with 30,000 workers.

Mayor David Miller needs to marshal a majority of the 45-member council to push the deal through.

Opposition to the deal – which offers workers 6% over three years and grandfathered sick bank benefits – is led by the 11-member Responsible Government Group of right-wingers.

The group would need to sway at least some of Miller's traditional council allies to kill the deal.

A handful of protesters have gathered outside City Hall.

Julia Mackenzie is among the group who are urging council to turn down the deal.

"We don't want to be held hostage by fat cat unions," she said.

CUPE locals 416 and 79 have both ratified the deal and have returned to work in advance of council's vote.

But while the streets are getting swept of garbage, temporary dump sites won't get cleaned up until the deal is agreed to by council.

If the deal is defeated, workers would immediately go back to the picket line.