Author: Stephanie Gomez

Today in a Toronto Star column, ATU Local 113 President Carlos Santos calls on the TTC to do everything in its power to build trust between Torontonians and the transit agency, starting by bringing back all laid-off transit workers to restore service to pre-pandemic levels.

“If we are going to build back better, as Prime Minister Trudeau says, we must restore full TTC service so more people trust taking transit as ridership increases, we must transform the way we fund daily transit operations so we are less reliant on the farebox and we must push back against Premier Ford’s privatization of transit in all its forms,” said ATU Local 113 President Carlos Santos.

Read the full column below:

Building back better starts with public transit

The TTC is still operating at reduced service levels as Toronto’s schools prepare to reopen in September.

“The TTC must hire back laid off operators and resume full transit service before students return to school to accommodate the increase in ridership and provide as much physical distancing as possible,” said ATU Local 113 President Carlos Santos.

Click the link below to read the full article:

When back to school means back to the TTC, Toronto parents see yet another COVID-19 risk

Sisters and Brothers,

We received the unfortunate news today that an ATU Local 113 member, a bus operator from the Eglinton Division, has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The member’s last shift was on Saturday, August 15 and they received the positive test result on Tuesday, August 18. We all wish them a full and quick recovery as they self-isolate at home.

A joint investigation with the TTC and Toronto Public Health is assessing whether there were any close contacts with the individual while contagious, requiring self-isolation.

This member’s diagnosis marks the 60th ATU Local 113 member who has tested positive for COVID-19. Twelve TTC employees who are not ATU Local 113 members have also tested positive, bringing the total number of TTC employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 to 72.

Please practice social distancing as much as possible before, during and after your shifts – and stay home if you feel unwell.

In solidarity,

Carlos Santos
President, ATU Local 113

Sisters and Brothers,

We received the unfortunate news today that an ATU Local 113 member, a Bus Operator from Arrow Road Division, has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

I spoke with the member, who is doing well and recovering at home. We all wish them a full and quick recovery.

The member’s last shift was on Monday, August 3, from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The member was tested on Thursday, August 6 and received a positive test result on Friday, August 7.

This diagnosis marks the 59th ATU Local 113 member who has tested positive for COVID-19. Twelve TTC employees who are not ATU Local 113 members have also tested positive, bringing the total number of TTC employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 to 71.

Please practice physical distancing as much as possible before, during and after your shifts – and stay home if feel unwell.

In solidarity,

Carlos Santos
President, ATU Local 113

Sisters and Brothers,

Today, New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs announced that his government would not match federal transit funding, leaving funding on the table while transit agencies in his province struggle to maintain service and staff levels during the pandemic.

ATU Local 113 stands in solidarity with our Sisters and Brothers in New Brunswick and echoes ATU Canada’s concerns that this decision will harm communities and slow New Brunswick’s economic recovery by leaving thousands of tax paying citizens and transit riders at the curb.

Transit workers, who have worked diligently throughout this pandemic, deserve their elected officials to show up to the table to represent them, and Premier Higgs’ announcement represents a blatant disregard for the sacrifices they have made over the last few months.

In Solidarity,

Carlos Santos
President, ATU Local 113

Sisters and Brothers,

We received unfortunate news today that an ATU Local 113 member, a bus operator from Eglinton Division, has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

I spoke with the member who is recovering at home. On behalf of all ATU Local 113 members, I wished them a quick and speedy recovery.

The member’s last shift was on Friday, July 17 from 12:30 pm to 8:30 pm. They began showing symptoms on Sunday, July 19 and were tested on Monday, July 20. The member received the positive test result on Friday, July 24.

This diagnosis marks the 58^th ATU Local 113 member who has tested positive for COVID-19. Twelve TTC employees who are not ATU Local 113 members have also tested positive, bringing the total number of TTC employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 to 70.

Please practice physical distancing as much as possible before, during and after your shifts – and stay home if you feel unwell.

In solidarity,

Carlos Santos
President, ATU Local 113

Sisters and Brothers,

We would like to thank University-Rosedale MPP Jessica Bell for joining our online information session on July 21. She has been a public transit advocate before and throughout the coronavirus pandemic and continues to champion workers’ rights at Queen’s Park.

The federal government has announced up to $1 billion in transit funding for Ontario, matching dollar for dollar the funding that Premier Ford provides.

MPP Bell has started a petition calling on the Ontario Government and Premier Doug Ford to provide the maximum amount of funding possible, which would allow the TTC to restore pre-pandemic service levels and prevent further layoffs. I urge all ATU Local 113 members to sign the petition at the link below and make it known that emergency transit funding is a key part of Toronto’s economic recovery.

MPP Jessica Bell Petition: ACT NOW: Ford must fully match federal transit funding

In Solidarity,

Carlos Santos
President, ATU Local 113