Statement from TTC CEO Rick Leary on bargaining with ATU Local 113
April 29, 2024
Since February, bargaining teams from the TTC and ATU Local 113 have been working hard to reach a fair negotiated collective agreement. ATU Local 113 is our largest union partner, representing approximately 11,500 operators, collectors, maintenance workers, stations staff, and other frontline employees.
The TTC is aware of the strike vote taken by ATU Local 113 over the weekend.
It’s important to note that seeking support for a strike is a common part of the bargaining process. However, the vote does not mean a strike is imminent, and no strike deadline has been set at this time.
The bargaining teams from ATU and the TTC remain at the table where they continue to negotiate a new collective agreement to replace the one that expired on March 31, 2024.
The TTC values the important and challenging work that all our employees do every day to deliver safe and reliable service – the employees in ATU Local 113 are an integral part of our operations.
We are heartened by the fact the TTC recently ratified agreements with CUPE Local 5089 (Special Constables and Fare Inspectors), and IAMAW Lodge 235 (millwrights, machinists, and other skilled shop employees).
Last weekend, we reached a tentative agreement with CUPE Local 2 (electrical skilled trades), which we hope will be ratified fairly soon.
Between 2011 and 2023, unionized TTC employees were deemed an essential service by provincial law and were not allowed to strike. That was overturned in 2023 by an Ontario Superior Court ruling that restored TTC employees’ right to strike.
We know from past experience that job action by ATU Local 113 would almost certainly lead to service disruptions for our customers which is why both sides are focused on reaching a new collective agreement as soon as possible.
We remain committed to keeping everyone updated on negotiations as they progress.
We encourage both our employees and customers to check our website at
www.ttc.ca/bargaining (
http://www.ttc.ca/bargaining) for the most current updates.