ATU Local 113 continues negotiations with the TTC this evening.
Some progress has been made and we will provide an update on any further progress as it occurs this evening.
Media Statement
Media Statement
ATU Local 113 has been at the bargaining table since February with our employer, the TTC. Our only objective has been to ensure our members are being advocated for when it comes to a new agreement. For years we haven’t had the opportunity to properly negotiate terms.
Our priorities have been clear since the beginning. Our members deserve the right to job security, similar to sectors and employees across the country. They shouldn’t have to fear having their jobs contracted out. Our members are on the front lines and have been dealing with an increase of violence in the form of physical and verbal assaults. For the situations they have to endure in unsafe work conditions & for the service they provide Toronto, they need to be compensated accordingly.
Unfortunately, the TTC is refusing to work with us at the bargaining table. As of 5pm, today, we have seen no progress on our negotiations.
A full withdrawal of services is not the course of action we want to take. Our members enjoy the work they do & serve Torontonians with pride.
The TTC has left us with no other choice, as we still need to prioritize a new, fair agreement for our transit workers. ATU Local 113 will be moving forward with strike action tomorrow at 12:01 am.
Out of good faith, we are maintaining Wheel Trans services for seniors and those with accessible needs within the community. However, passengers will not have access to subways, streetcars, and buses after midnight. We hope the TTC will use this as an opportunity to work with us to arrive at a new contract & negotiate from the perspective of our workers who keep this city moving.
We will provide updates as negotiations continue this evening.
Two days until Strike Action!
Tell the TTC and the City to keep Toronto moving.
ATU Countdown
ATU Countdown
ATU Local 113 speaks to media about decision to take strike action on June 7
On Thursday, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled in favour of TTC workers and upheld our members right to strike in response to the provincial government’s appeal to rule our strike unconstitutional.
After much consideration, ATU Local 113’s Executive Board decided to set Friday, June 7th as our strike action date.
Our President, Marvin Alfred, spoke to media about what the union would like to see from the TTC in terms of alignment on key issues of a collective agreement.
Online/Print
‘We remain far apart’: Union representing TTC workers announces strike date (citynews.ca)
TTC workers have right to strike, appeal court upholds | National Post
Ontario appeal court upholds TTC workers’ right to strike | CP24.com
TTC’s largest union sets June 7 strike date (thestar.com)
Appeal court upholds TTC workers’ right to strike, as potential job action looms (msn.com)
Appeal court upholds TTC workers’ right to strike as potential job action looms (citynews.ca)
ATU Local 113 Celebrates Asian Heritage Month – Sister Claire Mineque
Ontario Court of Appeal affirms TTC workers’ right to strike
In another historic win for workers, the Ontario Court of Appeal in a majority decision, has affirmed that TTC workers’ right to strike is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Today, the Court released its decision in an appeal launched by the Ford government attempting to save legislation that banned all TTC workers from engaging in any form of strike action. That legislation was found to be an unconstitutional violation of workers’ rights contrary to the freedom of association guaranteed by the Charter.
“Today is an important day, not just for transit workers but for all workers,” said Marvin Alfred, President of Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 113. “Despite the Ford government’s attacks, the Court of Appeal has clearly said that the right to strike is protected by the Charter and it is a right that cannot be stripped away at the whim of the government. The right to strike is at the heart of collective bargaining and the ability of workers to have control over their working lives and the conditions under which they work.”
This is the fourth judgement from a court or tribunal affirming the right to strike of TTC workers. Mr. Alfred said, “I would like to thank Ian Fellows, our lead counsel, and the legal team at Ursel Phillips Fellows and Hopkinson who were instrumental in achieving these successes.”
Asked about collective bargaining Mr. Alfred said, “Since our right to strike was restored last year, we have seen a change in bargaining for the better. Bargaining a collective agreement is never easy and it involves a great deal of hard work. We are committed to working to come to a fair agreement and we will do what it takes to ensure our members get the fair agreement they deserve.”
The judgement comes at a critical time with Local 113 in the midst of collective bargaining and with the possibility of a strike as early as June 7th, 2024.
For additional information, please contact media@atu113.net.
Additional Facts:
- On May 8, 2023, Hon. Justice Chalmers of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice found that Ontario legislation banning TTC workers from striking violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. ATU Local 113 was successful in securing their members right to strike. To read the full decision, please see the link below:
- ATU Local 113’s collective agreement expired on March 31, 2024.
- The union’s last collective bargaining agreement was issued in 2021.
- This is the first time in 10 years that the union can exercise their right to strike, following last year’s historic legal victory which restored this fundamental, constitutional right.
- The last time ATU Local 113 members went on strike was in 2008.
- Strike action can begin legally anytime after Friday, June 7th.
Ontario Court of Appeal rules in favour of ATU Local 113
The Ontario Court of Appeal has confirmed the right to strike for ATU Local 113 members and other workers at the TTC. This is another historic win for working people. The Ford government’s attempt to roll back worker’s rights has been soundly rejected by the court.
ATU Local 113 Speaks to Media to Discuss No Board Report & Next Steps
Following months of negotiations, ATU Local 113 began the process towards legal strike action. Yesterday, the Ministry of Labour issued a No Board report which signals a 17 day countdown. Our members can legally withdraw services as early as Friday, June 7th. We have yet to announce a strike date & still remain at the negotiating table with the TTC.
Our President, Marvin Alfred, spoke with the media to discuss what this means for ongoing negotiations.
Online/Print
Some TTC workers could go on strike as of June 7 | CBC News
TTC workers can legally strike in 17 days (thestar.com)
Ministry of Labour issues no-board report, TTC workers able to strike in 17 days (citynews.ca)
Thousands of TTC workers could go on strike next month (Now Toronto).
Radio/Broadcast