Sisters and Brothers,
We are pleased to share that Mayor John Tory has agreed to declare December 17th the first ever Transit Worker Assault Awareness Day in the City of Toronto after consistent pressure from our union.
The campaign to have Mayor Tory proclaim this important day started in 2020 when it was clear physical, verbal, and psychological assaults against our members were increasing because of the pandemic.
While ATU Local 113 disagrees with Mayor Tory on transit policy, we appreciate his willingness to collaborate and support this important day. Assaults against transit workers is an issue that is above politics.
This day will bring more public awareness to the many challenges and dangers our members face while courageously working the frontlines. December 17 will also mark the start of a new phase to ensure the TTC does more to keep our transit workers safe from violence through risk assessments, public reporting, and other plans to mitigate assaults towards TTC workers.
Like all workers, our members should feel nothing but comfort, safety, and protection while on the job.
We encourage all members to share ATU Local 113’s Facebook and Twitter posts and share what this day means for them. Please follow our social media channels to receive updates about Transit Worker Assault Awareness Day in the lead-up to December 17.
In solidarity,
Carlos Santos
President, ATU Local 113