The TTC labor union says it has taken the first step toward a strike

The union representing more than 10,000 transit workers in Toronto says it has taken the “first step against a strike” in contract negotiations with the TTC shop.

On Monday morning, the United Transit Union (ATU) Local 113 said it had applied to the Department of Labor to appoint a mediator.

“Our union's collective bargaining team has been negotiating with TTC for several weeks trying to reach a new contract that is fair to our members. “The TTC is refusing to agree with ATU Local 113 on key priorities for transit workers, including job security, wages and benefits,” the union said in a Monday media release.

While the petition is only the first step in industrial action, the union is “prepared to take direct action,” including a “complete layoff.”

“We are continuing to negotiate with the employer,” Marvin Alfred, president of ATU Local 113, said in a written statement.

“We hope the arbitrator will act as a resource to support our union in reaching a fair collective bargaining agreement.”

The move comes just days after another batch of TTC workers announced they may walk off the job next week.

CUPE Local 2, which represents 661 electrical and trades workers at the TTC, confirmed earlier in the month that it set a strike deadline of 12:01 a.m. on April 22.

It's been 13 years since unionized TTC workers have been able to go to work. Workers can legally strike after a court ruling last year denied Ontario's TTC an essential service designation.

With files from CP24's Josh Freeman