Author: nanderson

Sisters and Brothers,

Without proper consultation or even telling us about their plan before they went public, TTC CEO Rick Leary informed TTC workers that they now require you to share your vaccination status within a week’s time. This is personal information, which we believe you have the right to keep confidential if you so choose.

Despite what Rick Leary says about “continuing to work with union partners,” TTC management has NOT worked at all with ATU Local 113 and has failed to provide any information about mandatory vaccinations, including any policies regarding basic exemptions. Rick Leary and TTC management’s lack of consultation and proper communications about this so-called policy is an insult to our union and the nearly 12,000 members. Workers deserve a management team that truly consults on important health issues.

ATU Local 113 believes it is unfair for the TTC to keep their plan for mandatory vaccinations a secret while demanding workers disclose their private health information.

Since the TTC is familiar with infringing upon workers’ rights, our union is well-versed in fighting for our membership. ATU Local 113 will continue to fight for your rights, which includes safeguarding your personal health choices.

– Carlos Santos, ATU Local 113 President

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Good afternoon—

Two weeks ago, I announced that COVID-19 vaccinations will be mandatory for all TTC employees, consultants, contractors and students. I want you to know that this wasn’t a decision that was made lightly – but it was the right thing to do. We’re dealing with a more transmissible variant of COVID-19, which means more than ever, we need to do everything we can to stop the spread of this virus and protect ourselves, our co-workers, and our families.

I know many of you have questions about the policy. We continue to work with our union partners and we will be share the policy with you in the coming days.

As part of this policy, we will be asking you to upload your vaccination proof during the week of September 7. If you haven’t already done so, please seek out your vaccination proof now and be ready to share it next week. You may have saved the receipt that was given to you when you received your vaccine dose. You can also find your receipt by logging into the provincial portal at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccine-booking-support or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900.

We’re working hard to make this process as easy as possible. Supports for this policy, including FAQs and instructions on how to upload your proof of vaccination, will be shared with you as well as your supervisor and manager in the coming days. We will also make sure there are opportunities for you to ask any questions you may have about the policy and how it applies to you.

We have been a leader in safety throughout the pandemic, and we will continue to lead. I have said it from the beginning—your safety is paramount in all we do. The safety of all our employees and customers has always been, and continues to be, what guides our decision making at the TTC.

If you haven’t already received your vaccination, we are working with health partners to host pop-up vaccine clinics, including clinics at Victoria Park Station today and tomorrow, as well as at Warden Station from September 7 to 9. You can find more details on MyTTC | SAP Jam or at ttc.ca.

This pandemic road has been a bumpy one, but I know that together, we will get through this. I look forward to sharing more details with you soon.

Please take care and stay vigilant.

Richard J. Leary
Chief Executive Officer
September 1, 2021

Sisters and Brothers,

Today, the Cowessess First Nation revealed another heartbreaking discovery of 751 unmarked graves on the grounds of a former residential school in Saskatchewan. Our hearts are with the Cowessess First Nations and all Indigenous communities during this tragic time.

ATU Local 113 stands with Indigenous communities across Canada throughout and beyond this horrifying discovery. This is a shameful reminder that we must all work together on a shared path towards reconciliation.

Carlos Santos
President, ATU Local 113

As part of ATU Local 113’s #IndigenousHistoryMonth, we are highlighting Brent Peltier, Maintenance, Shop Steward. A proud ATU Local 113 member, Brent has been working at the TTC for over 27 years. Brent has shared his experience growing up with the struggles and inequalities he faced as an Indigenous man. He is excited to share his story with his ATU sisters and brothers.

Sister and Brothers,

ATU Local 113 stands with the LGBTQ2S community and encourages members to participate in Pride Toronto festivities throughout June – and support the community throughout the year. LGBTQ2S members and allies are important to our city – and to our union. Together, let’s celebrate Pride 2021 and continue to advance inclusion for all.

ATU Local 113 values the importance of diversity and inclusion in all its forms. As part of our union’s social justice framework, we’ll continue to fight together against injustices wherever they exist.

Carlos Santos
President, ATU Local 113

https://prideguide.online/Home

“The reality is, if we didn’t have a guard there it could have been a catastrophic incident,” said ATU Local 113 President Carlos Santos in an interview with CTV Toronto about the importance of keeping the subway guard position on the TTC.

Video shows TTC trains one metre away from ‘catastrophic head-on collision’ | CTV News

Sheldon Morriseau, TTC Operator, talked about his experience growing up on Fort Williams First Nation just outside of Thunder Bay and the hardships he endured. He also touches on his experiences when he became a Professional Golfer after moving to Arizona. Sheldon is now a proud Operator, but wants to shed light on the importance of hiring and retaining more Indigenous Peoples at the TTC. Sheldon poster

Tomorrow, June 3 at 10:00 a.m., ATU Local 113 will be hosting its first workshop as part of its #IndigenousHistoryMonth initiative, with additional sessions on June 7, 15 and 18 hosted by Indigenous Cultural Educators. The first workshop hears from Paul Nadjiwan, Ojibwe, a former elected chief of the Nawash First Nation of Capre Croker on the Bruce Peninsula. He is deemed Cultural Content Authenticator by Carelton University Musicology Department! Members can register here https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wT09fu4lQmajlG1tyLNFjw

Join us in watching the online screening of “There’s Something in the Water” throughout the month of June! The World Premier at Toronto International Film Festival and Netflix original sheds light on the struggle of minority communities in Nova Scotia as they fight officials over the lethal effects of industrial waste. For more details, visit Indigenous History Film: There’s Something in the Water – ATU Local 113 (wemovetoronto.ca)

All month long we will be streaming the original screening of RUMBLE: THE INDIANS WHO ROCKED THE WORLD. This documentary tells the story of a profound, essential, and until now, missing chapter in the history of music: the Indigenous influence. RUMBLE shows how these talented Native musicians helped shape the soundtracks of our lives.

Indigenous History Film – Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World – ATU Local 113 (wemovetoronto.ca)

As we commemorate Indigenous History Month in June, ATU Local 113 will be launching its first ever program to amplify stories from Indigenous members, engage with our communities, and support capacity-building within our union. More details about the initiative and how members can participate can be found on the program’s webpage:

Indigenous History Month – ATU Local 113 (wemovetoronto.ca)