ATU Local 113 was proud to stand in solidarity with our Women’s Committee at the International Women’s Day March, held in Toronto on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Together, we continue the work of building a more just, inclusive and equitable future for women in our places of work and in our communities.
ATU Local 113 proudly marks International Women’s Day by honouring the women who strengthen our union and our city. We continue to stand for equality, respect, and opportunity for all.
As we approach International Women’s Day, we’re proud to highlight the voices of women in ATU Local 113
Tanya Daye, a member for 9 years, began her career as a Coach Technician Apprentice and is now a Licensed Coach Technician. Working in the garage, she inspects and repairs TTC’s diesel and electric bus fleet to help ensure safe, reliable service for riders across Toronto. Tanya speaks to the challenges women can face in male-dominated trades and the importance of committing to a culture of mentorship, safety, respect, and integrity on the shop floor.
We’re also proud to highlight Charline Sarjue and Chanteya Brown, a mother-daughter team serving Toronto riders. Charline has been a member of ATU Local 113 for 16 years and spent most of her career driving streetcars after roles in Wheel-Trans reservations and security at Hillcrest. Chanteya, a bus operator of nearly 5 years, followed in her mother’s footsteps to build her own path in transit. Together, they highlight the importance of utilizing company resources for growth and the importance of improving working conditions, including adequate washroom facilities at route endpoints.
Their stories reflect the skill, resilience, and leadership women bring to every role in transit — on the road, in the garage, and across our system.
“Don’t wait for a title to lead. Lead through your integrity, work ethic and resilience.” – Tanya Daye
This International Women’s Day, we stand in solidarity with women workers across Toronto — celebrating progress and continuing the fight for equity, safety, and opportunities to thrive in our workplaces and communities.
Join the ATU Local 113 Women’s Committee:
Saturday, March 7, 2026
11:00 AM
OISE Auditorium, 252 Bloor St W, Toronto
All are welcome. Let’s stand together and keep pushing forward.
In lead up to International Women’s Day, we’re proud to highlight the voices of women in ATU Local 113
Nancy Melo, a member since 2017, has built a strong path in transit — from CSA to Divisional Trainer, and now serving as Co-Chair of the Joint Health and Safety Committee. Nancy Melo, a member since 2017, has built a strong path in transit — from CSA to Divisional Trainer, and now serving as Co-Chair of the Joint Health and Safety Committee. Through her leadership, she continues to champion mentorship, worker education, and strong protections that help create safer, more respectful workplaces.
Juliet Daria, a member for 2½ years working in Subway Operations and as a Subway Yard Operator, shares her experience navigating a male-dominated environment. Through her work and perspective, she highlights the importance of confidence, continued learning, and supporting more women entering roles across the industry.
Together, their voices remind us that when women support one another, we don’t just succeed — we help transform our workplaces.
“If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you’ll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others.” – Michelle Obama
As we approach International Women’s Day, we’re proud to spotlight the voices of women in ATU Local 113
Nadia Papineau, a member since 2023 working in the Streetcar Maintenance Department through the Light Rail Tech Apprenticeship program, reflects on finding a supportive and empowering community within the union. While progress continues in making workplaces more inclusive, she notes that collaboration between workers and management is helping address challenges and improve conditions for women entering the trades.
Zoi Tsilimigras, a member of 8 months, shares her experience navigating a male-dominated workplace and overcoming being underestimated. Her advice to others considering the trades is simple: stay confident, work hard, and don’t let anyone discourage you from pursuing what you’re passionate about.
We need more women and women-identifying workers in the trades. Greater representation strengthens our collective voice and helps build a more inclusive future.
“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Every year on March 8th, we celebrate International Women’s Day to commemorate the pursuit of equality, women’s rights, and impactful representation.
Our ATU Local 113 Women’s Committee is composed of elected women from both transportation and maintenance. Our mission is to highlight the challenges that women face in the workforce and everyday life – through education, support, community engagement and advocating for greater opportunities that effect change – particularly in leadership, mentorship, and apprenticeship roles.
To honour our commitment to improving visibility and addressing barriers for women in our industry, ATU 113 Women’s Committee are proud to feature our female members from various sectors across the property in recognition of International Women’s Day.
ATU Local 113 wishes the Hindu community, and all who celebrate, a Holi filled with love, laughter, and vibrant colour.
ATU Local 113 was proud to support The Children’s Breakfast Clubs (TCBC) visit to Ottawa as part of their Black History Month celebration.
Over 100 students from Toronto schools took part, bringing incredible energy and curiosity to the day’s activities. Our Executive Board Members Bryan Lewis and Andrew McAnuff joined the students and educators throughout the visit.
ATU Local 113 contributed to the event by providing the Black History Month shirts, which the students wore with pride and which the organizers noted added a strong sense of unity to the experience. Our team also provided the operators and coordinated the buses with the TTC to ensure seamless transportation for the participants from start to finish.
We remain committed to supporting youth in our communities through meaningful engagement, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.
Thank you to The Children’s Breakfast Clubs for organizing this impactful annual event. We look forward to continuing this important work together.
At the week’s Build Green Symposium at Humber Polytechnic, ATU Local 113 leaders showcased the growing career opportunities in the skilled trades at the TTC, while addressing the need to challenge outdated stereotypes.
As investment in green infrastructure accelerates, so does the demand for dedicated skilled workers. The skilled trades offer strong career pathways, competitive compensation, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on our communities.
ATU Local 113 remains committed to raising awareness and opening doors for the next generation of talent.
