'Our members are clearly angry and upset'
In an almost unanimous vote, employees of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) voted Friday to resort to strike action if current bargaining with the TTC does not arrive at a deal.
“Our union’s intention was always to work with the employer on negotiations to deliver a new and fair agreement,” said ATU Local 113 in a statement.
“However, if no progress is being made and the TTC is refusing to see the perspective of transit workers, we must move forward with a full withdrawal of service. Our members are clearly angry and upset about how they have been treated at work. We are proud of our work and know the value of our work. We have the right to protect our future and are ready to fight for job security.”
The union represents 12,000 TTC employees who operate and maintain the TTC. Out of the almost 10,000 members who voted, 98.28% voted to strike.
First strike action since 2008
Unionized TTC workers have not been able to exercise strike action in negotiations since 2011, when they were determined to be essential workers and therefore unable to walk off the job. That law was ruled unconstitutional last year by an Ontario Superior Court ruling.
“It’s important to note that seeking support for a strike is a common part of the bargaining process. However, the vote does not mean a strike is imminent, and no strike deadline has been set at this time,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary in a statement.
“The TTC values the important and challenging work that all our employees do every day to deliver safe and reliable service – the employees in ATU Local 113 are an integral part of our operations.”
‘Full withdrawal of service’: TTC workers OK strike mandate as negotiations continue https://t.co/tDcBF4L6p8 pic.twitter.com/AJOfKCKwNw
— Global National (@GlobalNational) April 29, 2024
Leary said the TTC is “heartened” by recent agreement ratification deals with other unions representing skilled workers, special constables and fare inspectors.
“We know from past experience that job action by ATU Local 113 would almost certainly lead to service disruptions for our customers, which is why both sides are focused on reaching a new collective agreement as soon as possible,” he said.
ATU Local 113’s collective agreement with the TTC expired on March 31, 2024.
