A last-minute deal has been reached between the TTC and the union representing almost 12,000 transit workers, avoiding a shutdown of buses, streetcars, and subways. TTC CEO Rick Leary expressed his satisfaction with the tentative framework settlement, emphasizing that it is fair, affordable for the TTC, and recognizes the important work done by ATU Local 113 members. While the deal still needs to be ratified by union members and approved by the TTC board, details have not been shared as of yet. Talks between the city and the Amalgamated Transit Union continued late into the night as the 12:01 a.m. deadline approached on Friday, with commuters and union members anxiously awaiting the outcome.
If no deal had been reached, TTC workers would have gone on strike for the first time since 2008, leaving Toronto commuters stranded. An agreement was reached just in time, avoiding any disruptions in service. Thursday night was filled with messages from both the union and the TTC, with the union first claiming no progress had been made before softening their stance later on. Issues such as job security, benefits, and the integrity of the TTC network were outlined by the union as being of importance. Negotiations took place behind closed doors throughout the evening, with brief statements being the only insight for the watching public.
Prior to the deadline, the union raised concerns about contracting jobs out to third parties and the possibility of cross-boundary services being transferred to other Greater Toronto Area transit operators. The union had been without the right to strike for over a decade until a 2023 court decision overturned this, allowing TTC workers to strike once again. In preparation for the strike deadline, union staff were seen setting up practice pickets to familiarize themselves with the process. With roughly 1.3 million people relying on Toronto’s transit system every weekday, a strike would have had a significant impact on the city’s residents and businesses.
Overall, the last-minute deal reached between the TTC and the Amalgamated Transit Union has successfully averted a strike that could have paralyzed Toronto’s transit system. The agreement, which still needs to be ratified by union members and approved by the TTC board, is seen as fair and affordable for the TTC, recognizing the vital role played by ATU Local 113 members in keeping the system safe and reliable. The negotiations leading up to the deal were intense, with both sides issuing statements and updating the public on the progress being made. Concerns raised by the union included job security, benefits, and the integrity of the TTC network, as well as protections against job outsourcing and service transfers to other transit operators in the area.
The potential strike, if no deal had been reached, would have been the first for TTC workers in over a decade, impacting millions of commuters who rely on Toronto’s transit system. With the union regaining the right to strike after a 2023 court decision overturned the previous law designating them as an essential service, preparations were made for potential job action. The avoidance of a strike is a relief for both commuters and workers alike, as it ensures uninterrupted service and avoids disruptions to daily routines. The successful resolution of this negotiation showcases the importance of cooperation and compromise in finding solutions that benefit all parties involved.
