Author: Stephanie Gomez

The Ford government just announced that it will be using legislation to impose a four-year contract on Ontario’s education workers. Worse, Premier Ford will be invoking the Notwithstanding Clause of the constitution to override the Charter of Rights.

Education workers went above and beyond to keep our kids safe and supported through the pandemic. They deserve our gratitude. Instead, Premier Ford is sweeping away their rights as citizens to avoid having to pay them a living wage.

The right to collective bargaining comes from our Charter’s freedom of association and equality provisions. Losing these fundamental rights should be alarming to every Canadian.

Local 113 stands with our education worker sisters, brothers, and comrades, as we stand up for the rights of all Canadians. We are calling on the Ford Government to back down immediately on the proposed legislation and return to the negotiating table instead.

Education workers do their jobs, why won’t Premier Ford

ATU Local 113 would like to congratulate Paula Fletcher and Chris Moise on their municipal election wins! We are pleased to see the diversity of representation on the new City Council.

Last night was election night. ATU Local 113 President, Marvin Alfred, and several Board members visited campaign offices throughout the evening.

Tomorrow is Diwali – the Festival of Lights. ATU Local 113 wishes our Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist members and their families a Happy Diwali!

Toronto City Councillor candidates Ausma Malik and Alejandra Bravo both joined ATU Local 113’s General Meeting on Sunday to discuss public transit issues.

Municipalities across Ontario are headed to the polls on October 24^th. In Toronto, advanced polling closed this past weekend which leaves next Monday as the last opportunity to exercise your democratic right this election.

Torontonians have an opportunity to elect individuals who have a vision that will improve this city. In particular, several candidates have expressed their commitment to keeping transit public.

ATU Local 113 has shown our support for these candidates over the last few days by volunteering on the campaign trail. We encourage all members to read about your local candidates, volunteer, and vote!

This weekend the ATU reported the passing of Int. President Emeritus James La Sala. La Sala, the ATU’s sixth and second-longest serving Int. President, held that position for 18 years from 1985 until his retirement in 2003. He passed away at 95.

The ATU Mourns the Passing of International President Emeritus James La Sala, Second-Longest Serving International President | Amalgamated Transit Union

ATU Local 113 endorsed a list of Toronto city council candidates from across all wards. These individuals have campaigns that prioritize public transit, particularly, better funding, keeping transit public, and supporting public transit workers. Some of these platforms specifically address contracting out jobs & the cross-boundary issue.

Local 113’s President, Marvin Alfred, joined Ausma Malik, Alejandra Bravo, Chiara Padovani, and Amber Morley at their respective campaign offices to lend his support. All members are encouraged to read about their local candidates and vote on election day!