Author: Stephanie Gomez

To the Tamil community and all who celebrate, we are wishing you light and happiness this Iniya Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal!

ATU 113 wishes to thank all our incredible sponsors of the MS Charity Hockey event!  With their help, Local 113 raised over $60,000 to help MS Canada. We couldn’t have done it without you!  Thank you!

ATU Local 113 would like to wish all who celebrate Eid ul-Fitr much peace, safety, good health, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak!

Jonathan Pooley, a bus operator and a member of ATU 113 for nine years, successfully auditioned for Canada’s Got Talent. He received three yeses from the judges at CGT. He described the experience as surreal and emotional, especially with his family present during the performance and is grateful for the support of his family and community. He is awaiting results to see if he advances to the semi-finals after all auditions are completed. Pooley was invited to audition by Howie Mandel while dressed in disguise as a passenger on a bus.

Pooley has been singing for as long as he can remember, influenced by various music genres including Motown and R&B. He previously auditioned for Canadian Idol in 2007, reaching the Top 60 but withdrew due to pressure of the competition. Pooley prioritized his family over a music career, and decided a secure job with TTC would help him provide for his family. He lives in Paris, Ontario, with his wife Heather and three sons: Preston, Lucas, and Aidan.

Pooley encourages others to pursue their passions and find ways to incorporate them into their lives.

https://www.instagram.com/cangottalent/reel/DHn9R76RJ9Q/

Today the law courts entered a guilty verdict in the case of a man who went on an aggressive and violent tirade directed at a female bus driver who was doing her job. During the 30-minute verbal assault the man violently punched the bus and yelled racist and misogynistic abuse at the bus operator.

Marvin Alfred, President of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113, said this about today’s verdict: “Transit workers are entitled to work in a safe environment free from any form of threats, violence, or abuse. We are determined that every single incidence of criminal conduct directed at transit workers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

ATU Local 113 welcomes this verdict. Every day a transit worker is subject to violence and harassment. Alfred said, “We have had enough and this has to stop. No one who abuses transit workers should feel they have sanctuary from the legal consequences of their criminal actions. This verdict of the court demonstrates the law will be upheld and enforced.”

Local 113 has been actively advocating to stop the abuse of transit workers and to have the criminal code changed to better protect transit workers.

Congratulations to our ATU Local 113 Hockey teams at the Niagara Falls Hockey Tournament.

Our 40+ battled hard but came up short 3-2 in their finals. Our Open Division team won in spectacular fashion, overcoming being short-handed going into overtime and then winning 1-0 on Brandon Watts’ goal, with Vincenzo D’Elia getting the shutout!

Thank you to the players, coaches, and everyone behind the scenes for helping organize and making us all proud!

The ATU 113 Member Handbook is now available online! The Member Handbook presents information about the union organization, structure, functions, associations, union member benefits, committees and how to get involved with your union. This updated version includes important information and resources to help you navigate your rights and responsibilities as a union member.

What’s New?

• Collective Bargaining Process: An outline of the process of negotiating a fair contract that respect your work and dignity in the workplace, job security, wages and benefits
• Advocacy and Activism: showcasing the work of our Political Action Committee
• Union involvement – how to get involved with various activities
• Celebrating our Heroes
• Committees contact information and additional online resources

To access the updated handbook, simply visit our website’s Union Documents resources or click here https://wemovetoronto.ca/resources/union-documents/

It’s essential that all members review the new version to stay informed and up to date.

The Member Handbook is continually updated, and ATU Local 113 welcomes comments or suggestions that might improve future editions of the handbook to provide additional important information resources to members. Please email us at comms@atu113.net.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to your union.

We thank our retiring members for their commitment, hard work, passion, and service to keep Toronto moving.

• Pino D’Armiento, ATU 113 Executive Board Member – Maintenance, Streetcar
• Peter Kirow, Wheel-Trans Operator – Transportation
• Balram (Brian) Narsingh, General Body Repairperson – Maintenance
• Samuel Shamlian, Wheel-Trans Operator – Transportation

Our best wishes as you begin this new chapter of your lives. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement!

On Transit Worker Appreciation Day, ATU Local 113 is celebrating our members and transit workers across North America. Thank you for your commitment to keep Toronto moving!

ATU Local 113 would like to wish the Hindu community and all who celebrate a Holi filled with love, laughter, and a kaleidoscope of colours.