Representing over 10,000 bus drivers of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), the union has taken the “first step towards strike action” as negotiations with TTC have hit a deadlock.
On Monday morning (April 15th), the local 113 union of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU Local 113) stated that they have applied to the Ministry of Labour for the appointment of a mediator.
In a media release issued on Monday, the union stated, “The union’s collective bargaining team has been in negotiations with TTC for several weeks to secure a new contract for union members. TTC has refused to align with the union on key priorities such as job security, wages, and benefits for transit workers.”
The release also mentioned that while this request is just the first step in labor action, the union is “prepared to take direct action,” including a “complete cessation of services.”
According to CP24, the union president, Marvin Alfred, stated in a written statement, “We continue to negotiate with the employer. We hope the mediator can support our union in achieving a fair collective agreement.”
A few days ago, another group of TTC union workers announced that they could strike as early as next week.
Earlier this month, the union representing 661 electrical and technical workers of TTC, CUPE Local 2, confirmed that they have set a strike deadline for 12:01 a.m. on April 22nd.
TTC union workers have not gone on strike for 13 years. Following a court ruling last year overturning the Ontario government’s designation of TTC as an essential service, TTC workers are now legally allowed to strike.