Media Statement
ATU Local 113 has been at the bargaining table since February with our employer, the TTC. Our only objective has been to ensure our members are being advocated for when it comes to a new agreement. For years we haven’t had the opportunity to properly negotiate terms.
Our priorities have been clear since the beginning. Our members deserve the right to job security, similar to sectors and employees across the country. They shouldn’t have to fear having their jobs contracted out. Our members are on the front lines and have been dealing with an increase of violence in the form of physical and verbal assaults. For the situations they have to endure in unsafe work conditions & for the service they provide Toronto, they need to be compensated accordingly.
Unfortunately, the TTC is refusing to work with us at the bargaining table. As of 5pm, today, we have seen no progress on our negotiations.
A full withdrawal of services is not the course of action we want to take. Our members enjoy the work they do & serve Torontonians with pride.
The TTC has left us with no other choice, as we still need to prioritize a new, fair agreement for our transit workers. ATU Local 113 will be moving forward with strike action tomorrow at 12:01 am.
Out of good faith, we are maintaining Wheel Trans services for seniors and those with accessible needs within the community. However, passengers will not have access to subways, streetcars, and buses after midnight. We hope the TTC will use this as an opportunity to work with us to arrive at a new contract & negotiate from the perspective of our workers who keep this city moving.
We will provide updates as negotiations continue this evening.