TTC Workers May Strike on June 7 Amid Ongoing Union Negotiations

Some Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) workers may commence a strike as early as June 7, according to the union that represents about 11,500 Toronto transit employees.

In a news release on Tuesday afternoon, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 113 announced that the Ontario Ministry of Labour has issued a no-board report, signifying that the government will not be appointing a conciliation board.

This decision initiates a 17-day countdown, after which members of ATU Local 113, the TTC’s largest union, are legally permitted to strike.

“This is the next legal step with respect to exercising our right to withdraw services,” stated union president Marvin Alfred in the release.

“We have already started mobilizing our members to prepare for this, should we need to take strike action in June,” Alfred added.

Despite the countdown, both the union and the employer emphasize that negotiations are ongoing and a strike is not inevitable.

“However, we need to be honest with all our employees and customers,” TTC CEO Rick Leary said in a news release.

“Past experience tells us that if there is a labour disruption with ATU Local 113, there will be service impacts,” Leary explained.

He mentioned that the specific impacts on services are “not yet known.”

The ATU Local 113 has been operating without a contract since April 1. The union’s last strike occurred in 2008.

In 2024, the TTC has successfully reached new agreements with three of the transit agency’s six bargaining units. However, the current situation with ATU Local 113 remains unresolved.

As the potential strike date approaches, TTC management and the union continue their efforts to reach a new contract and avert a possible disruption in services. Both sides acknowledge the importance of maintaining transparent communication with employees and commuters about the potential impact on transit operations.

The upcoming days will be crucial for the TTC and its riders as they await further developments from the ongoing negotiations.