Author: Stephanie Gomez

TTC Service cuts: Riders deserve to know, Council has a responsibility

by Stephanie Gomez

Local 113 is calling on City Council to demand information necessary to make informed decisions on system-wide service cuts.

On February 15, City Council will be considering a budget proposal to make deep cuts to public transit. We know from the TTC that it includes a 9% cut system-wide and a 25% cut to rapid transit service compared to pre-pandemic levels. Combined with a fare increase, these cuts are a threat to the long- term viability of our transit system. A recent open letter from more than 100 transit and urban researchers noted that these “cuts to service are likely to initiate a ridership death spiral in which long wait time and poorer service leads to ridership drops, which in turn lead to further revenue losses and cuts.”

At its January 9 meeting, the TTC Board was asked to make the details of the cuts public. They have not done so. Riders deserve to know if their route is being cut and City Council has a responsibility to know the impact of their decisions.

ATU Local 113 is calling on Toronto City Council to demand that the proposed service cuts be made public before they consider the budget.

Ongoing Litigation

by Stephanie Gomez

Yesterday Local 113 took its fight for the right to strike to the Ontario Superior Court. Our legal team, led by Ian Fellows,  presented our case to the court.  The right to strike is historic and guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  This is the latest chapter in our ongoing campaign for the restoration of this basic human right. The Committee for Freedom of Association, a body of the International Labour Organization, has already twice ruled in favour of Local 113 finding the Province’s strike ban law is contrary to Canada’s international commitments. Those decisions were presented to his honour, Justice Chalmers who is the judge hearing our case. The hearing will continue today with arguments from the Province’s lawyers and reply by our legal team.  It is expected that a written decision will be issued at a later date after the court has had time to review the legal arguments and over 10,000 pages of evidence presented in this case.

ATU Local 113 applauds our heroic member for saving four seniors in Scarborough

by Stephanie Gomez

Yesterday evening, a car driver accidently turned onto the GO train tracks at Finch Avenue in Scarborough. The car driver attempted to make a U-turn, and their vehicle was stuck while a GO train was approaching.

One of our members ran onto the tracks and opened the doors to the car. They were able to unbuckle and assist four seniors in the car and bring them back to safety.

Moments later, the car was struck by the train and became wedged underneath it. 

 

“Our members continue to inspire the community with their acts of kindness, bravery, and selflessness,” said Marvin Alfred, President of ATU Local 113. “The operator has shared with us that they are glad to have been able to help people  that were in danger, and that they are humbled by all the praise they have received.”

Thank you to our member, a transit operator at the TTC, for their quick thinking and heroism. 

ATU Local 113 President to participate in public transit safety townhall on February 9

by Stephanie Gomez

How can we create a safer TTC for all? RSVP to share what a safe, dignified, and accessible public transit system means to you.

 

ATU Local 113 President, Marvin Alfred, is one of several guest speakers.

 

Our TTC: Safety For All

Public Transit Safety Townhall

7:00pm-8:30pm

Thursday, Feb. 9

Online or 941 Progress Ave

RSVP: www.ttcriders.ca/safetytownhall

 

A letter from ATU Local 113’s President on Black History Month

by Stephanie Gomez

As we begin Black History Month, we celebrate the history and incredible contributions of members of the Black community and people of African descent to our city of Toronto, our province and to Canada. We look forward to seeing this community continue to thrive in the years ahead.

As the first black President of ATU Local 113, I want to personally acknowledge all Black Members of ATU Local 113 over our 124-year history. It is their work, courage, sacrifice, wealth of shared knowledge, and their resilient spirit that helped pave the way for many of us to work and thrive at our workplaces and in our communities. Their incredible stories help us to reflect on the opportunities and privileges we now have.

At ATU Local 113, our vision is to recognize, reduce, and remove barriers that limit opportunities for anyone. This month we will focus on fighting Anti-Black Racism, celebrating the success of Black Members, and sharing stories of our very own pioneers.

 

Marvin Alfred

President/Business Agent

ATU Local 113