Sisters and Brothers,
We learned today that two more ATU Local 113 members from the TTC Queensway Garage have unfortunately tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Confirmed Case 1: The member, a service person, last worked on Friday, April 17. The member was tested on Monday, April 20 and received the positive diagnosis on Wednesday, April 22.
- Confirmed Case 2: The member, a coach technician, last worked on Wednesday, April 15. The member developed symptoms on Friday, April 17 and tested positive on Wednesday, April 22.
I spoke to both members today who are recovering at home.
ATU Local 113 is reiterating its demands for serious and decisive action to stop this potential outbreak at Queensway Garage from becoming a lethal cluster and spreading any further. We’ve laid out a set of reasonable demands to contain the outbreak and meet the health needs of each ATU Local 113 member which include:
- All maintenance workers on all shifts at Queensway must be immediately tested.
- The immediate deep cleaning of Queensway facilities and vehicles including but not limited to all maintenance and transportation amenities such as tools, touchpoints, counters and so on.
A full-blown outbreak at another maintenance facility was avoided by sending all the workers home as a precautionary measure. We are demanding that the TTC adopts the same precautionary measures and implements all of our demands to ensure the safety of all passengers and transit workers.
Please contact your shop steward or board member for more information.
These two latest confirmed cases mark the 21st and 22nd ATU Local 113 members who have tested positive for COVID-19. Four TTC employees who are not ATU Local 113 members have also tested positive bringing the total number of COVID-19 positive TTC employees to 26.
Please practice social distancing as much as possible before, during and after your shifts – and stay home if you feel unwell.
In solidarity,
Carlos Santos
President, ATU Local 113