Line 2 train crew members, Ian and Lou, explain to Toronto by-election candidate Olivia Chow why it takes two people to keep riders safe, and how they saved a child’s life.
Transit Workers Tell Their Stories: 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.”
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.
City of Toronto By-Election: Advanced Polling
The City of Toronto by-election is taking place on Monday, June 26.
Advanced polls open next week on June 8th.
If you are eligible, we encourage you to get out and vote early!
You can find your local polling station here: 2023 By-Election for Mayor: Advance Vote Locations – City of Toronto
ATU LOCAL 113 CONDEMNS SENSELESS ACT OF VIOLENCE AGAINST TRANSIT OPERATOR AT KING AND SUMACH
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
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.
ATU Local 113 is proud to endorse Olivia Chow!
We are optimistic about the future of public transit with Olivia advocating for us! We are pleased to give Olivia Chow our endorsement for the upcoming election.
ATU Local 113 to make an announcement with mayoral by-election candidate
Join ATU Local 113 and Toronto mayoral by-election candidate Olivia Chow for an announcement about the future of Toronto’s public transit workers.
Who: Olivia Chow, Toronto mayoral by-election candidate; Marvin Alfred, President, ATU Local 113
When: Friday, May 26 at 9:30 AM EST
Where: ATU Local 113 Office, 812 Wilson Avenue, Toronto
ATU Local 113 Member in Stable Condition After Injury at Greenwood Yard
An ATU Local 113 member was injured today after being pinned by a subway car at Greenwood Yard. ATU Local 113 President Marvin Alfred visited the injured member at a local hospital this morning.
ATU Local 113 Health and Safety representative Andrew Falotico and JHSC Union Representative, Shop Steward Anthony Schembri, are currently onsite with Toronto Police Service and the Ontario Ministry of Labour to investigate today’s unfortunate incident.
*The member has since been released from the hospital.
ATU Local 113 discusses significance of court case victory with media
On May 8, ATU Local 113 was informed that an Ontario Superior Court decision would permit members to strike for the first time since 2011.
ATU Local 113 President Marvin Alfred spoke with media about what this means for the union and the labour sector.
News Coverage
Online/Print
Toronto Star: TTC workers regain the right to strike | The Star
Toronto Sun:TTC not an ‘essential service,’ strike would be legal for workers | Toronto Sun
Financial Post: CUPE: Court’s Decision a Win for Workers and for Safety | Financial Post
Now Toronto: Transit union says TTC needs to take responsibility for service cuts – NOW Toronto
CityNews Toronto: TTC union workers win back right to strike | CityNews Toronto
CBC Toronto: TTC workers have right to go on strike, Ontario court rules | CBC News
Broadcast/Radio
Radio Canada: Les employés de la CTT ont le droit de faire la grève, tranche un tribunal ontarien | Radio-Canada.ca
Further Statement: Winning Back the Right to Strike!
Marvin Alfred, President/Business Agent, on behalf of the Executive Board of ATU Local 113, hailed the Ontario Superior Court decision striking down the legislation illegally limiting collective bargaining for over 12,000 TTC workers.
“This is an historic win for transit workers in Canada. The Court has delivered a major victory for free collective bargaining in Ontario and for our Local,” said Marvin Alfred. “Our members’ Charter rights have been violated for more than a decade. Fortunately, we are now able to return to the bargaining table without unfair government interference.”
Local 113 went to court seeking to strike down the 2011 TTC Labour Disputes Resolution Act, arguing that it violated its members Charter of Rights and Freedoms right to free association. The legislation had impaired the union’s ability to bargain freely with the TTC. The Court found that the legislation substantially interfered with meaningful collective bargaining. The Court further declined to suspend the legislation, meaning that Local 113 members will be able to bargain their next collective agreement free from the infringement on their Charter rights.
Marvin Alfred further indicated that “The Court found that Local 113 had only been on strike for 12 days in the 20 years prior to imposing the legislation. We’ve known for more than 10 years that our rights were being violated, and that the TTC had been given an unfair advantage in bargaining. I am looking forward to a return to free collective bargaining at the TTC.”