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