ATU Local 113 thanks Chiara Padovani (Ward 5 York South – Weston) for her dedicated and tireless efforts to improve our city, and for a well-fought municipal election campaign. To keep Toronto moving forward, we will continue to work together to be the voices of Toronto, for public transit and transit workers.
ATU Local 113 congratulates the newly elected City Councillors
ATU Local 113 congratulates the newly elected City Councillors. With a strong and diverse City Council, we can keep Toronto moving forward, and work together to be the voices of Toronto for public transit and transit workers. Congratulations:
- Amber Morley – Ward 3, Etobicoke-Lakeshore
- Jamaal Myers – Ward 23, Scarborough North
- Gord Perks – Ward 4, Parkdale-High Park
- Alejandra Bravo – Ward 9, Davenport
- Ausma Malik – Ward 10, Spadina-Fort York
- Anthony Perruzza – Ward 7, Humber River-Black Creek
- Shelley Carroll – Ward 17, Don Valley North
- Nick Mantas – Ward 22, Scarborough-Agincourt
Executive Board Member, Brian Connolly out campaigning for York South-Weston Candidate Chiara Padovani
Today, Executive Board Member, Brian Connolly was out canvasing with York South-Weston candidate Chiara Padovani! We encourage all members to vote in this year’s municipal election on October 24th.
CUPE Rally
ATU Local 113 President Marvin Alfred joined CUPE members, Yolanda McClean, Secretary-Treasurer, CUPE, Laura Walton, President of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario School Boards Council of Unions (OBSCU) and Fred Hahn, President, CUPE, at today’s rally in support of their fight for fair wages.
ATU Local 113 members canvassing for candidates ahead of Toronto’s Municipal Election
Toronto has the choice to vote for a Mayor, Councillors, and School Board Trustees that will work hard to improve this city. We cannot risk essential services, such as transit, being contracted out and privately owned. Public transit needs to remain public, and that is why ATU Local 113 had endorsed and continues to support candidates who are advocating for this too. Our members were out canvassing for candidates across the city in the lead up to next Monday’s election. Members are encouraged to read about their local candidates, ask them questions, volunteer, and most importantly – get out and vote on October 24th!
ATU Local 113 Endorses Candidates for the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election
ATU Local 113 is pleased to announce our candidate endorsements for the upcoming Toronto municipal elections.
The pandemic was a difficult time for public transit, but chronic underfunding and questionable City Hall leadership made it even worse. We need to restore and improve service so that we can rebuild trust with TTC riders. And to do that we need leadership at City Hall.
All of these candidates will be champions for quality public transit and share our vision for maintain public ownership and control and will advocate for adequate, reliable funding. With their support we can make sure that the interests of riders come first in all planning and service decisions, workers and the public will be safe and secure, and we will end attacks on network integrity and accessibility.
Please volunteer for a campaign near you and get out and vote for these transit champions.
In Memory of Retired Former Executive Board Member Frank Giustini
It is with deep sadness that ATU Local 113 announces the passing of Frank Giustini, retired and former Executive Board Member.
Brother Giustini was a valued and active member of our Local, having served us as the Executive Board Member representing Collectors – CSAs, Clerical, Patten Building, Traffic Checkers, Wheel-Trans Administration & Davisville CSR’s (2019 – 2021). He is remembered for his contributions to our members in fighting for fair treatment in their workplace and engaging them in our union.
Our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones at this difficult time.
Further details to be announced.
The Executive Board
ATU Local 113
Your Vote Matters – 2022 Ontario Municipal Council and School Board Elections
Local 113 calls for inquiry into Eglinton Crosstown LRT delays and cost increases
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT was originally proposed in 2007 and scheduled to start service in 2020. If it had proceeded as planned, we would have been able to ride a publicly owned and operated new line two years ago. Instead, we’re still waiting for the more expensive, privatized version.
Metrolinx and the Province, with the support of TTC and City Council, insisted that the line be built through a public-private partnership, or P3. This takes longer, since years were spent tendering the work and negotiating the contracting out. It also costs more, since private builders need to make a profit and face higher borrowing costs than government.
In a P3, the public pays extra in exchange for certainty on the time and cost of construction. According to the Province’s own value for money assessment the Crosstown P3 would cost $472 million more than traditional procurement.
Their argument was that the extra time and cost was worth it because the private builder took on any risk of delay or cost overrun.
How did that work out?
In 2010, when construction started it was supposed to be completed by 2020.
In 2018 and 2020, Crosslinx, the private builder, successfully sued Metrolinx, forcing them to pay $325 million due to delays caused by COVID-19, a structural defect at Eglinton Station, and technical claims.
In 2020, the opening date was pushed to 2022.
Now, the opening is delayed again – and they can’t even say how long.
And it’s not over yet. There is no projected completion date, and the budget could still go way up.
Was it worth it?
By the time it’s done private construction could be a billion dollars more than traditional, public procurement. Most of the details are being kept secret from the public. We believe the public has a right to know how our taxes are being spent.
The Confederation Line in Ottawa was built in a similar manner, and has caused a similar series of lawsuits, as well as dozens of safety complaints, difficulty operating in the snow, repeated delays, fire, odour, flooding, and derailments leading to a public inquiry.
We can’t let the same thing happen in Toronto.
The public has a right to know
ATU Local 113 is calling on the City to launch an independent inquiry into the delays and cost increases, and for our members to have a seat at the table.
We are going to have to pay to operate it, surely, we deserve to know how much it cost
ATU Local 113 Mourns the Death of MiWay Maintenance Worker, Member of ATU 1572
Members of ATU Local 113 are deeply saddened to learn of the death of an ATU Local 1572 member, following a workplace accident. We send our deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and colleagues.