Author: Stephanie Gomez

ATU Local 113 President speaks with the media about transit violence

by Stephanie Gomez

TTC drivers were assaulted more than 50 times over the first four months of 2023, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all violent incidents across the bus network during that same time period. ATU Local 113 President Marvin Alfred spoke to CP24 about the rise in violence against transit workers.

“We have a system where by design the TTC is having people wait longer periods of time for the service they have always had, we are having more crowding in vehicles by design and that can only lead to greater customer frustration,” said Marvin Alfred. “Members of the public, teenagers, people going to work, school are taking the frustrations out on transit workers and that is not where their frustrations should be directed.”

To read the full story, visit: https://www.cp24.com/news/it-is-being-normalized-a-closer-look-at-the-violence-faced-by-ttc-operators-1.6446840

Transit Workers Tell Their Stories: ATU Local 113 President speaks with mayoral candidate Olivia Chow

by Stephanie Gomez

ATU Local 113 heroes share their stories of keeping Toronto safe and saving lives with Mayoral Candidate Olivia Chow

 

Members of ATU Local 113 do more than just operate and maintain the TTC. We are the eyes and ears of the transit system. We work with riders every day to improve service and keep Toronto moving and are often the first on the scene to solve a crisis or save a life.

Olivia Chow, who we hope will be the next Mayor of Toronto, has invited members to tell their own stories in their own words.

In a series of videos, we will hear the stories of members who stepped in to save lives. It includes other road users in danger, a toddler who had wandered onto the tracks, and a rider who found himself in crisis with nobody to turn to.

“Quality public transit is about so much more than just running vehicles. Having capable, compassionate workers is the only way to keep everyone safe,” said transit rider and mayoral candidate Olivia Chow. “ATU Local 113 members are the cornerstone of building a more caring city. Workers need to be supported, respected, and most importantly, listened to. I am honoured to be able to hear and share their stories.”

“They might not use the word to describe themselves, but these workers are heroes,” said ATU Local 113 President Marvin Alfred. “These stories are just a few examples of the kind of work that every single one of our members does.”

Transit Workers Tell Their Stories: ATU Local 113 heroes share their stories of keeping Toronto safe and saving lives with Mayoral Candidate Olivia Chow

by Stephanie Gomez

Members of ATU Local 113 do more than just operate and maintain the TTC. We are the eyes and ears of the transit system. We work with riders every day to improve service and keep Toronto moving and are often the first on the scene to solve a crisis or save a life.

Olivia Chow, who we hope will be the next Mayor of Toronto, has invited members to tell their own stories in their own words.

In a series of videos, we will hear the stories of members who stepped in to save lives. It includes other road users in danger, a toddler who had wandered onto the tracks, and a rider who found himself in crisis with nobody to turn to.

“Quality public transit is about so much more than just running vehicles. Having capable, compassionate workers is the only way to keep everyone safe,” said transit rider and mayoral candidate Olivia Chow. “ATU Local 113 members are the cornerstone of building a more caring city. Workers need to be supported, respected, and most importantly, listened to. I am honoured to be able to hear and share their stories.”

“They might not use the word to describe themselves, but these workers are heroes,” said ATU Local 113 President Marvin Alfred. “These stories are just a few examples of the kind of work that every single one of our members does.”

Watch Transit Workers Tell Their Stories:

A track inspector, Chris, shares his story with Olivia Chow of saving a young rider in crisis by listening and caring.

DISCLAIMER: This video contains sensitive content. Viewer discretion is advised.

ATU LOCAL 113 CONDEMNS SENSELESS ACT OF VIOLENCE AGAINST TRANSIT OPERATOR AT KING AND SUMACH

by Stephanie Gomez

ATU Local 113 has learned of an assault on a transit worker that happened earlier today while the operator waited to take over her streetcar at the intersection of King and Sumach. She was attacked and pushed face down to the pavement, sustaining injuries to her face. She has since been attended to by Toronto paramedics. The situation is under investigation. ATU Local 113 stands in solidarity with our member and we wish her a speedy and full recovery.

ATU Local 113 continues to call on the City of Toronto and the TTC to step up to enforce severe penalties on those who assault transit workers, and to do everything in their power to make public transit safe.

ATU Local 113’s statement on fireworks safety incident on a TTC bus

by Stephanie Gomez

Earlier today we were made aware of a group of individuals that set off fireworks on a TTC bus. The incident is under investigation. The union has reached out to the operator involved who has confirmed they are doing better.

This blatant disregard for the safety of fellow passengers and transit workers is completely unacceptable and should be treated as a criminal act.  

Our members should not have to go to work worried about being injured on the job.

We hope these individuals will be held accountable and that the penalties will reflect the seriousness of their actions – including banning their access to public transit. 

 This is an opportunity for the TTC leadership and the City of Toronto to step up and demonstrate that they have zero-tolerance for violence on public transit.  And that they are willing to do everything in their power to protect our members and Torontonians so that everyone can feel safe on public transit.