TTC employees will vote in favor of strike action unless a reasonable offer is on the table

Electric workers at the Toronto Transit Commission voted 99.3 percent to strike Thursday, saying they will walk off the job if the TTC doesn't return to the bargaining table with a reasonable offer.

Members voted in favor of the strike, saying the TTC should return to the bargaining table with a proposal to address rising costs of living, workers without a freely negotiated contract in more than a decade, and the removal of a list of concession demands. the employer does.

“We love working for the TTC. We support public transport. But at the same time, the cost of living in Toronto has skyrocketed,” said Sumit Guleria, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 2. “The truth is we are hemorrhaging workers because other employers are offering significantly better wages. »

The previous collective agreement expired in March 2022.

Voting was done by in-person voting at a location in Toronto. More than 88 percent of 661 local deputies came and voted.

“This is an unprecedented result, especially for individual voting. “The workers are tired of the management treating them with indifference and disrespect,” said Guliya. “As for what happens next, the ball is now in TTC management's court.”

Last November, the TTC Board approved the transaction mandate. We are committed to achieving a fair deal for Local 2 employees while being affordable for Toronto taxpayers.

TTC CEO Rick Leary said in a statement that 2023 will be the first time in nearly 13 years that any unionized TTC employees will work, following a court ruling that would restore TTC employee rights to those of other transit workers across the country. can perform work activities, including up to and including termination of employment.

“My primary commitment is to the safety of our employees and customers and to provide uncompromised reliable service. However, I believe any work action could affect the TTC's ability to provide continued service,” Leary said in a statement.

Leary also said there are contingency plans “designed to allow for as many services as possible while respecting the rights of this group of employees” in the event of a strike.