Author: Stephanie Gomez

UPDATE: Bill 98 passes Third Reading

by Stephanie Gomez

ATU Local 113 is deeply disappointed that Bill 98 passed today. We pushed for changes that would protect local service, public accountability, and fare revenue.

Bill 98 solves no real problem. Regional integration is already happening through One Fare. Instead of funding better service, this bill gives the province more power over local transit and local revenue.

We fought Bill 98 at every stage possible

1. At City Hall and Queen’s Park

Since late March, Local 113 has raised concerns at City Hall and Queen’s Park. The TTC Board also backed calls for democratic control, protected service, and guaranteed funding.

At the committee hearings, we, along with allies, pushed amendments to protect local service and fare revenue, require provincial funding, and limit the bill to cross-boundary routes. The government rejected them all and passed the bill today.

2. Our coalition is broad, growing, and ready to act.

Opposition now includes workers, riders, management, and municipal leaders across the 416 and 905.

3. The more people learn about Bill 98, the stronger the opposition becomes.

Bill 98 sounds positive on the surface, but it is really about control over local service and fare revenue. The province already has tools to support integration. What is missing is funding.

4. Next steps: educate, organize, and act.

The next fight is over regulations and implementation. Bill 98 opens the door to contracting out routes and breaking apart the TTC network.

We are building a coalition along with riders’ groups, regional transit agencies, ATU Canada and ATU International, to defend service, local control, public transit, and union jobs.

Take action:

  • Share this update.
  • Speak with co-workers and riders.
  • Raise the issue in your community, and
  • Be ready to support the actions we announce next.

ATU Local 113 proudly supports the Second Harvest Truck Pull

by Stephanie Gomez

Today, our union team proudly took part in the annual Second Harvest Truck Pull Challenge at Nathan Phillips Square, raising funds and awareness to help fight food insecurity in our communities.

Our members showed incredible teamwork, determination, and solidarity throughout the event, representing the spirit of transit workers both on and off the job. We’re proud to support organizations like Second Harvest that make a real difference for families across the city.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, donated, cheered us on, and helped make the day a success.

The team did an amazing job – and we’ll be back next year, ready to pull for the challenge once again in support of this important cause!

Ontario’s Ford government rejects protections for transit workers’ collective agreements at Bill 98 committee hearings

by Stephanie Gomez

At Bill 98 committee hearings, the Ontario NDP tabled amendments, including one that would require the Transportation Minister to honour ATU Local 113’s collective bargaining agreement, protect negotiated rights, and prevent transit privatization. The NDP and Liberals voted in favour of the amendment, but Doug Ford’s Conservatives voted against it, defeating the proposal.

See MPP Tom Rakocevic speak on the amendment proposal and the vote by MPPs.

 

 

ATU 113 United Indigenous Council Commemorates Red Dress Day

by Stephanie Gomez

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The ATU Local 113 United Indigenous Council, in partnership with the TTC, recognized Red Dress Day, May 5th, at Union Station with a red dress installation and community outreach focused on awareness around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People.

Throughout the event, customers, employees, and members of the public stopped to share personal stories, reflections, and experiences. There were many meaningful conversations with people wanting to learn more about the significance of The Red Dress and the ongoing importance of awareness, safety, and advocacy. The event demonstrated how important visible public education and community engagement continue to be. 

The members of the UIC appreciate everyone who took the time to stop, listen, ask questions, and stand in solidarity throughout the day.

Bill 98 Update:  TTC workers, riders, and management united in opposition to a Ford takeover of the TTC

by Stephanie Gomez

ATU Local 113 is leading the fight to stop a takeover of the TTC and ensure regional integration works for riders and TTC workers.

Local 113 was out in force this week at Queen’s Park, where a legislative committee considered Bill 98. The bill would give the provincial government extensive control over TTC fares, service, and revenue. It could also open the door to contracting out bus routes to outside operators – giving Doug Ford new tools to break up and privatize parts of the TTC.

President Marvin Alfred spoke about the need to keep transit public, under democratic local control, and to keep revenue in Toronto. He also called for the bill’s powers to be limited to cross-boundary bus routes, and for any fare changes to come with a compensating subsidy.

Our team was joined by members of TTCriders, who spoke about the negative impact the bill could have on transit users, including the risk of fare increases and service cuts.

We were also supported by TTC CEO Mandeep Lali, who emphasized the need to protect local service and secure a reliable operating subsidy.

Ford has a majority government, so we expect the bill to pass.

MPP Tom Rakocevic, the NDP transit critic, reached out to our local and has listened to our concerns. He will put forward amendments to address key issues, which will be voted on this Friday.

The Liberal Party transit critic, MPP Andrea Hazell, is also helping fight the bill.

The real fight will come when the government introduces regulations to implement the legislation. We expect proposals for fare increases and service cuts, including fares based on zones or distance. It will almost certainly include contracting out TTC bus routes to outside operators.

This is just the beginning. We will keep you updated as we continue the fight.

Take Action with Progress Toronto to Stop Bill 98

by Stephanie Gomez

Join Progress Toronto and TTCriders this Saturday, May 9 at 1 p.m. for a Day of Action to stop Ford’s TTC takeover.

Volunteers will talk to transit riders across Toronto and encourage them to take action to keep Ford’s hands off public transit.

Learn more and RSVP here: https://www.progresstoronto.ca/stop-ford-ttc-takeover-may-9-2026