On September 30th we commemorated the National Truth and Reconciliation Day – an opportunity for us to continue educating ourselves about the tragic history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, the resilience of these communities, and to honour the children who were impacted or never returned.
ATU Local 113 recently participated in the open house at Greenwood Shop which showcased the important skilled work of our dedicated maintenance crews – the people behind the scenes that keep our city moving.
Our Executive Board Members were on hand at the ATU 113 booth to answer questions from the visiting public and family members about skilled-trade work done at Greenwood Shop. The open house was an opportunity to showcase the work of a variety of roles that make public transit possible, including truck and axle repair persons, the machine shop, vehicle repair persons, coach technicians, subway vehicle technicians, millwrights, electrical and electronics bench fitters, and much more.
ATU 113 would like to thank everyone who came out to attend the event and learn about transit workers behind the scenes.
The Scarborough – Rouge Park By-election will be held on Monday, September 29th.
If you live in the ward, it’s important to get out the vote and have your voice heard.
ATU Local 113 has endorsed Neethan Shan who is a strong ally to public transit and will be a progressive voice at City Hall.
To volunteer and support his campaign, visit https://neethanshan.ca/
For the City’s election information, visit https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/elections/2025-by-election-councillor-ward-25-scarborough-rouge-park/
Earlier this week, Local 113 Executive Vice President Angie Clark was invited to present ideas for funding transit to the Ontario Transit Funding Forum, hosted by Transit Futures. Government, academic, industry and NGO leaders heard Angie explain that we need to regain the public’s trust before we ask them for more money – and the only way to do that is through transparency, accountability, and better service. This starts with ending privatization of transit, launching a full inquiry into the Eglinton Crosstown, and prioritizing maintaining and operating what we have – ahead of building new lines.
Based on her years of experience at TTC, Angie described how fare and service decisions are made for politicians, not for riders. For example, workers were told making riders 12 and under free was a misunderstanding, and the policy was never studied for its effectiveness at attracting riders. Right now, TTC is trying to give cross-boundary bus routes to outside operators with no plan to protect current service or allocate fare revenue.
She also explained how Toronto’s transit expansion is a disaster because Metrolinx gave control to the private sector. The Eglinton-Crosstown is way over budget and years late. The Ontario Line is set to cost $1.47 billion per kilometre – making it one of the most expensive subways in history. Local 113 believes that the public is owed some answers before they are asked to provide even more funding.
The public is confused, and for good reason: They are told billions are being invested to improve transit, but all they see is service getting worse because there’s not enough – and what there is, is unreliable and crowded. Cuts to maintenance funding led directly to constant subway delays and the catastrophic Scarborough RT derailment. The streetcar system, meanwhile, is in managed decline and basic bus-only lanes fail because there isn’t enough public support.
The solution Angie put forward, was to rebuild public trust by:
ATU Local 113 is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 John Lorimer Scholarships.
The forty scholarship recipients were selected based on their academic excellence. Local 113 is honoured to support their educational journey. Together, we are investing in the next generation of leaders.
Congratulations to all the recipients and we wish them continued success in their future endeavours!2025 John Lorimer Scholarship poster
ATU Local 113 has endorsed Neethan Shan in the upcoming Scarborough – Rouge Park by-election.
Neethan Shan has demonstrated that he is a strong ally to public transit and will be a progressive voice at City Hall.
If you live in the ward, it’s important to get out the vote: Advance voting on Sept 20 & 21, 2025
To volunteer and support his campaign, visit https://neethanshan.ca/
ATU Local 113 Executive Board members attended the annual United Way campaign kick-off today.
President Marvin Alfred said, “Like us at the ATU Local 113 and the TTC, the United Way is deeply entrenched in the life of our city. When there’s a need in the community, our members always step up. Our members have stood behind the United Way, and their generosity has gone beyond their workplace – helping the communities around us and creating real social impact.”
Local 113 is proud to join the United Way campaign this year, and we look forward to meeting this year’s target!
Together, we can make every contribution count – and our communities stronger!
ATU Local 113 Statement on College System Strike
We are aware that OPSEU members in the College system are in a legal strike position and that there is the possibility of strike action. We would remind members of Local 113 as we have previously, that at all times our number one priority is the safety of members of the public and of transit workers.
If at any time, should you find it unsafe to cross a picket line you should not attempt to do so and instead should contact the TTC and advise them of the situation.
ATU Local 113 member Sydney Campbell, streetcar operator, was recognized today at the TTC Board Meeting for demonstrating great care and compassion.
On the evening of August 23rd, Sydney spotted a young child, barefoot and alone. Acting quickly, she ensured the child’s safety by welcoming them on board the streetcar and making the child feel safe, engaged with police, and helped reunite the child with their family.
Thank you, Sydney, for demonstrating that TTC transit workers do more than keep Toronto moving – they look out for the community every single day.
ATU Local 113 Executive Board members and the United Indigenous Council attended the flag raising ceremony for Every Child Matters, held at Hillcrest Complex today, as part of our ongoing efforts for National Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
The ceremony reflected on the painful legacy of Canada’s residential school system, the thousands of Indigenous children who suffered physical, emotional, and cultural abuse in these institutions. We honoured the lives lost and the survivors, recognized the intergenerational trauma that persists, and reflected on the role each of us plays in the journey toward healing and reconciliation.
ATU Local 113 stands in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples, determined to build a more inclusive and equitable society. We are committed to understanding the truth and to foster a nation where Indigenous voices are heard, their rights respected, and their cultures celebrated.
Local 113 recognizes the unwavering dedication of our United Indigenous Council, leading the way in our union, in our place of work, and in our community – creating greater understanding in the pursuit of justice, equity, healing and reconciliation.
Miigwetch.
#EveryChildMatters #TruthAndReconciliation #OrangeShirtDay #UnionSolidarity
