Toronto, ON – After a strike threat and other actions, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 113-Toronto, ON, has reached a framework settlement with the Toronto Transit Commission.
The Local members are expected to vote on the deal at a ratification meeting. The details of the settlement will not be shared with the media or public until it is presented to the Union’s membership.
“We are pleased to announce that after long negotiations and unwavering solidarity from our members, ATU Local 113 has reached a deal that not only honors the hard work and dedication of our workforce but also sets a benchmark for fair and equitable treatment,” said International President John Costa. “Thank you to everyone who supported us during these negotiations. This settlement is a testament to the power of collective bargaining and the unity of our members.”
Both sides had been negotiating since January, with members voting 98.2 percent in favour of a strike mandate after contract talks broke down. Local 113 represents 12,000 employees at the TTC, which moves over 700 million passengers a year. To prepare for the strike, ATU launched the ‘United to Win’ campaign, training more than 500 member organizers and picket captains, gathering a petition of more than 8,000 members, and garnering support from riders and transit advocates.
“This settlement represents our efforts to ensure that transit workers across Canada are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve,” said ATU International President John Costa. “Our members in Toronto move millions of people each year, they worked through a pandemic, they were heroes on the frontlines. Their contract values the many contributions and sacrifices our members make. Thank you for standing together in your willingness to bravely go on strike. Your strength and solidarity resulted in not only a good contract but also stronger, better transit in Toronto.”