Author: Erika Mackenzie

ATU Local 113 was in the Court of Appeal on January 15, 2024, fighting to maintain its right to strike. In May 2023 Local 113’s legal team at UPFH led by, Ian Fellows, had the ban on strikes by workers at the TTC declared unconstitutional as an unlawful denial of members Charter right to freedom of association. Doug Ford’s government is appealing that decision. The Court of Appeal has reserved its decision. 

It is with deep sadness that ATU Local 113 announces the passing of Paul Haynes, former Executive Board Member.

Brother Haynes was a valued and active member of our Local, having served us as Shop Steward for Roncesvalles and as the Executive Board Member representing Queensway/Roncesvalles/Russell (2010 – 2012). He is remembered for his contributions to supporting our members and engaging them in our union. He enjoyed his time working with the Board and was passionate about fighting for the rights of our members through grievances and the arbitration process. He was very proud of the outcomes he achieved on behalf of our operators and his time serving our members.

Brother Haynes passed away peacefully on January 15, 2024, with his loving family by his side. He was born on March 25, 1953, to Eustace Haynes and Dorothy Haynes and lived his early years in Aruba. He is survived by his wife Clara Batista, three children, and four grandchildren.

Our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones at this difficult time.

Further details will be announced.

The Executive Board

ATU Local 113

ATU Local 113 noted that Sunday’s fire incident underscores the need to have more operators on trains. Had the train been in the tunnels as opposed to the station, the passengers would have been at heightened risk because Line 1 trains only have one operator on board, ATU Local 113 said in a statement.

Fire chief warns of e-bike safety risk after TTC incident (thestar.com)

ATU Local 113 has called on the TTC to bring back the approach of having two operators on trains following a fire at Yonge-Sheppard station on Sunday

Here’s how the Toronto subway e-bike fire erupted | CP24.com

Happy New Year! ATU Local 113 wishes you happiness, prosperity, and good fortune in 2024.

ATU Local 113 wishes a happy Kwanza to all who celebrate! Kwanzaa is a festival of unity, faith, love, and creativity. I hope it fills your life with all these wonderful things. Happy Kwanzaa!

ATU Local 113 wishes a Merry Christmas to all who celebrate! May this holiday season bring you laughter, joy, and the good company of family and friends.

President Marvin Alfred presented a deputation to the TTC Commissioners strongly opposing a proposal to contract out bus and streetcar servicing and cleaning.

The Local outlined that this is properly the work of Local 113 members, and that the union was not given any opportunity to make a proposal on having this work done in house by TTC employees. The Local stressed that the TTC was not acting in good faith on the issue of contracting out. The TTC is already embroiled in litigation with Local 113 over the TTC having improperly “contracted in” this work and stacking the procurement process against its own employees. The Local urged the TTC to authentically work with its union, rather than be drawn into further litigation.

Outsourcing these jobs to private businesses only creates dead-end jobs, paying barely above the minimum wage and substantially below a living wage. Creating a pool of dead-end jobs populated by persons from equity-seeking groups does significant harm when these workers could be earning a living wage at the TTC. Contracting this work to outside agencies deprives marginalized workers of good work opportunities that help bring stability to families and uplift communities.

Ian Fellows, Legal Counsel of Local 113, advised the TTC Board that contracting this work has resulted in jobs with less pay, less benefits, less security, and less opportunity for growth. Only the private business owner benefits while workers and our community lose. Local 113 was given three days notice to represent its case at this Board Meeting. This is yet another example of the TTC not acting in good faith, not being transparent and not offering a fair opportunity for its critical stakeholder – Local 113 – to present its expertise in providing solutions for better public transit.

The union’s intervention succeeded in persuading the TTC Commissioners to reduce the proposed contract period for the streetcar work from two years to one in order to provide Local 113 an opportunity to bring that work back in house.

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the passing of Vanessa Kurpiewska in a tragic act of transit violence. Acts of violence such as this one should never occur on public transit. ATU Local 113 sends our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Vanessa. We continue to demand a safer transit experience for riders and workers.

Rest in peace, Vanessa Kurpiewska.

ATU Local 113 would like to wish a happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate! May the Festival of Lights bring you and your loved ones warmth, happiness, and peace.