Author: nanderson

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

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped today to prepare for the Labour Day Parade tomorrow!

Reminder to all our ATU Local 113 members to join us with your families at the parade tomorrow and to collect your Labour Day gifts!  See you all tomorrow!

ATU Local 113 is standing in solidarity with striking of OPSEU Local 546 (TSSA) workers Rally, on Friday Sept 2, 2022, along with the Toronto & York Region Labour Council.

ATU Local 113 Executive Board Member Brian Connolly with OPSEU President JP Hornick & striking OPSEU Local 546 (TSSA) workers.

ATU Local 113 Executive Board Member Brian Connolly with Toronto & York Region Labour Council President Andria Babbington – UNITE HERE 75, Toronto & York Region Labour Council Vice President Jeff Irons – IBEW Local 353, Toronto & York Region Labour Council Secretary Treasurer Abdi Hagi Yusuf – CUPW Toronto, and striking OPSEU Local 546 (TSSA) workers.

Premier Doug Ford has put forward legislation that will give Mayor John Tory more powers to make decisions in secret. This is designed to allow the City of Toronto to privatize more TTC jobs faster.

Toronto doesn’t need the Mayor to have more power, Toronto needs a mayor with the courage to use the powers he has to stand up for the people of this city.

Local 113 Board members were pleased to see NDP MPP Tom Rakocevic deliver our message to the Ontario Legislature yesterday. “Toronto has already been weakened by key decisions being moved out of public debate and into secret backrooms. This legislation will only move more decisions into secret negotiations.”

In the next few years, binding contracts will signed with private, for-profit companies to build and operate new lines that will impact service across Toronto. Premier Ford’s strong mayor legislation will only empower Mayor Tory to make more backroom deals and speed up contracting out and cutting TTC service. TTC’s privatization doesn’t just help corporations make more money, it reduces wages and opportunities for workers. The TTC has always been a way for people, especially from diverse equity-seeking groups, to gain access to entry level jobs, get training, and then advance. The current TTC leadership’s contracting out plan will turn every TTC job into a dead end, low wage job.

Local 113 is grateful to MPP Rakocevic for his support in our fight to defend quality public transit service for the people of Toronto.

At the General Meeting held yesterday, ATU Local 113 Members, Shop Stewards and the Executive Board proudly recognized Lou Kellen and Ian Cooper for their heroism! Last week, these two transit heroes saved the life of a 4-year-old girl who wandered onto the tracks at Warden Station.

We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Brother Art Patrick, former President of ATU Local 113, who served the office from 1992 to 1997.  His dedicated leadership and vision helped strengthen our union well beyond those years. We offer our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

ATU Local 113 wishes all its members and fellow Canadians a Happy Canada Day! While this country continues to be the land of opportunity, we must also recognize the need for continued reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities across the country. We stand by the rich history and traditions of Indigenous Peoples and will continue to honour the land on which our transit workers operate.