Author: Stephanie Gomez

ATU: Solidarity of Workers Transcends Borders As Tensions Rise Between U.S. and Canada Governments

by Stephanie Gomez

Dear ATU U.S. and Canadian Local Union Presidents/Business Agents:

We find ourselves in difficult times and the tensions between the United States and Canadian governments are palpable and undeniable. As we navigate these challenges, I write to remind you of the ATU’s steadfast commitment to improving the lives of our members and strengthening our union in both countries.

The solidarity we share as transit workers transcends borders. Stronger together, we form a collective force that is both powerful and necessary to push back against the forces that seek to undermine our rights and diminish our hard-earned progress.

Our strength can be found in our groundbreaking collaborative work. ATU Local 113-Toronto, ON, and the ATU International have worked together to launch the first-of-its-kind Bus Design Innovation Program (BDIP), a project that enhances the safety of our members and sets a new standard for innovation in the transit industry for North America. This is just one of the many ways we are working together to ensure a safer, more secure, and more equitable future for all transit workers.

Our organizing accomplishments in both countries have also been nothing short of transformative. We are growing our ranks and securing contracts that empower our members and strengthen our union. These victories, which would not have been possible without our unwavering unity, are a testament to what we can achieve when we stand and fight together. Every contract we win and every organizing victory we claim brings us closer to achieving fair treatment and dignity that our members deserve.

Our joint efforts across North America continue to lay the foundation for a better tomorrow, a better future.

For over 150 years, Canada and the United States have stood side by side as partners, allies, friends, and neighbors. We cannot allow the actions of a single leader to cloud the relationship that has existed between our people. The bond between Canadian and American workers and our shared struggles is much stronger than any political rhetoric. We must resist the narrative that seeks to create division, especially from those who are taking little regard for the well-being of working people.

This is a moment in history when unions are more essential than ever. Workers across both of our countries need to come together and fight against the harmful agendas seeking to weaken the labor movement.

Our strength lies in our collective action, and the solidarity we have generated across borders is a beacon of hope in these times of uncertainty. Together, we can continue to move forward, building a future where the needs and dignity of working people come first. Don’t let them divide us. Stay strong. Stay united. We are stronger together.

In solidarity,
John A. Costa
International President

c: Yvette J. Trujillo, International Executive Vice President, ATU
Kenneth R. Kirk, International Secretary-Treasurer, ATU
International Vice Presidents, ATU
International Representative, ATU
John Di Nino, President, ATU Canada

Happy Lunar New Year!

by Stephanie Gomez

ATU Local 113 would like to extend a happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate. Wishing you luck, love, and health this Chinese New Year.

 

ATU Local 113 welcomes TTC Riders’ report on Bus Bunching

by Stephanie Gomez

ATU Local 113 welcomes the report by TTC Riders on bus bunching. It’s well-researched and thoughtful, and puts forward some excellent, practical ideas for improving TTC service at little or no cost – not just on schedules, but actually on the streets.

Delivering comfortable, convenient and reliable service to our riders is a top priority for Local 113. We were pleased to participate in the research and appreciate our members sharing their ideas and expertise. Nobody knows the TTC like we do, and we are always happy to help.

TTC riders and transit workers know how poorly the TTC has been managing and reporting on service. The City is committed to investing in the TTC, we want to work with the TTC to make sure this translates into authentic service improvements.

The TTC has been hiding behind vague performance metrics to gaslight the public into thinking that service is better than they experience. Hopefully they can admit that they have a problem so we can start working on a solution.

We have been pushing for transparency and openness about service for years. We’re glad that the facts are finally coming out – and hope that the TTC will improve transparency and adopt the recommendations.

 

ATU Local 113 members attend city budget announcement

by Stephanie Gomez

ATU Local 113 members joined Mayor Olivia Chow at the city’s budget announcement this morning.

Local 113 is working to ensure that the voices of public transit workers and riders are heard by the city and the TTC.  Together, we are helping build a stronger city and stronger communities by improving public transit.

ATU 113 celebrates the success of the United Way campaign

by Stephanie Gomez

ATU Local 113 thanks all our members for their continued support of the TTC’s United Way Campaign, held from September to December 2024. Together, we helped raise $803,384.91 this year. All monies raised came directly from payroll deductions and popular local events organized by employees, including the Lower Bay Station Halloween Fest, Hillcrest Open House, Trivia Night, Bowling Night and Toronto Argos Game.

Local 113 Executive Vice-President and co-chair of the United Way committee said, “We are very proud of the efforts of ATU Local 113 members who have always been strong supporters and do a phenomenal job, year over year, of giving back to our community through the United Way. We recognize the efforts of the United Way to improve the lives on local families and communities. ATU 113 will continue to proudly support building stronger and resilient communities in Toronto.”