TTC workers who wish to receive the COVID-19 vaccine must receive priority access!
ATU Local 113 President Carlos Santos spoke to the Toronto Star today about this, and the urgent need for clarity from the TTC and government officials.
Labour Council’s 150th Anniversary – ATU Local 113 Sponsor Profile
Labour Council 150 Poster (002)
For 122 years, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 has been at the forefront of the fight for a better life for Toronto transit workers. Simultaneously, it has improved the overall state of transit and the city itself. Its impact on Toronto is undeniable. But these changes haven’t come without a lot of sacrifice and work.
The union movement is built on the idea that we are stronger when we work together. ATU Local 113 is proud of its strong history of solidarity.
Proud Past
In 1861, the franchise to operate public transportation in Toronto was granted to the Toronto Street Railway Company which established Canada’s first horse-drawn street railway.
A mass movement of working people, known as the Knights of Labour, started to organize employees and signed up nearly all of the workers, to fight for better working conditions. In late 1886, they staged a two-week transit strike, and the city threw their support behind the workers. The strike failed as a result of the company wielding its power, denying workers’ demands, firing union activists, refusing to negotiate — even forcing workers to join an ‘alternative’ company union. It took more than a decade for workers at the Toronto Street Railway System to form a union.
In 1899, after years of struggle and strife, the workers finally succeeded. Division 113 of the Amalgamated Association of Street Railway Employees of America was founded in Toronto, to represent the collective bargaining rights of the employees of the Toronto Street Railway. It was one of the very first ATU locals in Canada, setting off a wave of organizing across the country.
Fed up with shoddy maintenance and poor service by private operators, Toronto citizens voted to put the operation of all streetcar services in the hands of the city.
The Division’s number, which the Local carries to this day, was a product of the tireless commitment of a core group of thirteen courageous trade unionists, that led the effort to establish the union throughout the 1890s. When they finally succeeded, members wanted to commemorate these thirteen. There was already a Division 13 assigned to a Local in the United States, so the next closest was 113.
Better and Brighter Future
Today, ATU Local 113 has grown to be the labour union representing over 12,000 men and women workers who operate and maintain North America’s third largest public transit system, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC); as well as the transit operators of Transdev Canada in the York Region, just north of the City of Toronto.
It is through the collective power and continued actions of unionized workers over the years that Local 113 has fought for – and won an improved quality of life.
By negotiating the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the employer on a regular basis, Local 113 continues to secure better wages, benefits, working conditions, job security and protection for members from unfair treatment on the job, and the right to seek redress if the employer violates the contract. These efforts of the Union have resulted in establishing industry leadership in wages and benefits.
Many of the wins achieved through negotiations, arbitrations and legal actions, have served as precedents and influenced the employer to change policies to meet the union’s demands, such as the Vacation and Statutory Holiday Entitlements while receiving WSIB, and stopping Workplace Harassment through the employer’s Social Media Platforms.
Founded in democratic values, members have their voices heard through elections for their leaders, and at monthly General Membership Meetings, where they move motions forward for the consideration of the Executive Board and Membership.
Local 113 has been active in local and national politics through its Political Action Committee and campaigns such as Keep Transit Public. Members are represented at ATU International’s Conferences of the Latino Caucus and the Black Caucus.
By promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, Local 113 is helping create awareness of social issues. An active Women’s Committee helps highlight gender-equity issues. Through the new mandate to set up its own Black Caucus, Local 113 continues its effort toward social change.
In recognizing that Toronto’s incredibly diverse communities have complex social issues like poverty and homelessness, Local 113 encourages its members to individually support and contribute to United Way’s comprehensive and far-reaching initiatives that help improve lives of all people, irrespective of age, race, or religious background.
Through ATU’s official charity fighting Multiple Sclerosis, it has generated over a million dollars for MS Research in Canada.
ATU Local 113 understands the power we build by working in solidarity with our union sisters and brothers, and through the fellowship we share as workers and families engaged in a common cause.
Celebrating 150 Years of the Labour Movement on April 12
Join us on Monday, April 12th as we celebrate 150 years of the labour movement with our Sisters and Brothers from the Toronto & York Region Labour Council.
“ATU Local 113 is proud to be apart of Canada’s largest labour council!” said ATU Local 113 President Carlos Santos.
Facebook: Labour 150 Anniversary Celebration
ATU Local 113 launches new anti-Black racism resource hub for members
ATU Local 113 is launching a new hub of anti-Black racism resources including member stories, videos, podcasts, tips and more. Please visit the link below to learn more.
Building on our Black History Month program, we are committed to the hard work of addressing, understanding and dismantling anti-Black racism. Thanks to Parents of Black Children for helping guide us through this journey.
Proper Government Investment is Necessary to Strengthen the TTC’s Future
Sisters and Brothers,
Despite being the second largest transit system by ridership in Canada and the US, the TTC has the lowest level of government funding on a per trip basis and in relation to its total budget. This means that the TTC is extremely dependent on the farebox, leaving the system vulnerable to shocks. Because of this dependency, last summer the COVID-19 pandemic caused the TTC to lay off 450 of our Sisters and Brothers at the height of a generational social and economic crisis. The 450 laid-off workers have since returned thanks to ATU Local 113’s work.
To drive economic growth as our city recovers from the pandemic and to ensure our transit system is able to meet the needs of a growing commuting population, the TTC must receive adequate funding from government to support the system’s daily operations. Reducing the dependency of the TTC on its farebox will build a better future for our city and our communities. Join us in pushing the government to properly fund the TTC!
In Solidarity,
Carlos Santos
President, ATU Local 113
Sisters of ATU Local 113 – Women’s History Month 2021
The women of ATU Local 113 are a vital part of our union!
As part of #WomensHistoryMonth, the women’s committee put together this video that shows women’s vast contributions to ATU Local 113 and the TTC. Together, let’s move gender equity forward.
One Year Later: ATU Local 113 is Still Fighting for you
Sisters and Brothers,
Today, ATU Local 113 acknowledges two important one-year anniversaries. On March 19, 2020, the first ATU Local 113 member was tested positive for COVID-19. Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of the TTC allowing our members to wear masks.
Just over a year ago, TTC management did not allow us to wear masks saying they would focus on “educating” us instead. From the beginning of the pandemic, ATU Local 113 had to fight hard to secure protections for members including the basic right to wear masks. One year into this crisis, we remain committed to fighting for your safety and well-being.
We’ll continue demanding that the TTC do everything it can to protect you, including the optional priority access to vaccine. The TTC has yet to communicate its plan to vaccinate workers who wish to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Our members need clarity.
ATU Local 113 has now sent letters to TTC CEO Rick Leary and Premier Doug Ford requesting that transit workers have the option to receive priority access to vaccines. Neither have replied to our requests. ATU Local 113 members work on the frontlines of the pandemic. Over 550 TTC employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and we’re happy to see most of them return to work. We look forward to seeing those who are still recovering back at work soon.
Between the pandemic, layoffs and the threat of privatization, it’s been a tough year for public transit workers, but we’ll come out of this stronger and more united. As we negotiate a new contract with the TTC, we will never stop fighting to secure your safety, wages, benefits and job security.
In solidarity,
Carlos Santos,
President, ATU Local 113
ATU Local 113 Statement on Disturbing Rise of Anti-Asian Racism
Sisters and Brothers,
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada has seen a rise in anti-Asian racism including here in Toronto. Particularly disturbing, Asian women have been disproportionately impacted by an increase of hate crimes this past year. This is unacceptable and extremely concerning for our members and Canadians.
ATU Local 113 denounces all forms of racism including anti-Asian racism. We stand in solidarity with the Asian-Canadian community and call on all levels of governments to take real measures to combat racism.
ATU Local 113 is committed to fighting intolerance and hate of any kind in our communities and we all have a role to play as we build a more inclusive and equal society.
In solidarity,
Carlos Santos,
President, ATU Local 113
ATU Local 113 Celebrates Transit Worker Appreciation Day on March 18
Sisters and Brothers,
March 18 is Transit Worker Appreciation Day.
Over the past year, ATU Local 113 members have seen it all as frontline workers working during a global pandemic. It’s been a tough year but the resilience, grit and commitment to Toronto you continue to show is an absolute inspiration. Our members work tirelessly and put themselves in harm’s way to keep our city moving.
Toronto has much to appreciate. Thank you.
Carlos Santos
President, ATU Local 113
Making Good Trouble: International Day For The Elimination Of Racism 2021
On March 21st, ATU Local 113 will be joining the Toronto & York Region Labour Council and the Urban Alliance on Race Relations – UARR for an online forum to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. We’re encouraging all members to register for the event at the link below.
“Let’s stand together to eliminate racism and discrimination” said ATU Local 113 President Carlos Santos