The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 113 are in the final hours of bargaining talks before a potential strike that could bring the city’s transit system to a halt. With a strike deadline set for midnight Thursday, both sides are working hard to reach a deal to avoid disruption for the 1.3 million daily riders who rely on the TTC.
In a statement released at 10 p.m., TTC media relations expressed optimism about the progress being made in the negotiations, stating that teams are working diligently to reach a deal by the deadline. The union local also expressed optimism, with ATU Local 113 confirming that progress was being made at the bargaining table.
The key issues at stake in the negotiations include wages, benefits, and job security for the approximately 12,000 TTC workers represented by ATU Local 113. If a deal is not reached by the midnight deadline, buses and streetcars will cease service around 2 a.m. Friday, while subway service will wind down between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.
City officials have advised commuters to come up with alternative transportation plans for Friday and beyond in case of a strike. However, Wheel-Trans service for people with disabilities will continue to operate regardless of the outcome of the negotiations.
This marks the first time since 2011 that TTC workers have been in a legal strike position, following a ruling last year that deemed a law prohibiting them from striking unconstitutional. Both sides have been engaged in collective bargaining since February, with the union local voting in favor of strike action in April after their previous collective agreement expired on March 31.
As the clock ticks down to the strike deadline, leaders of the TTC and ATU Local 113 are expected to hold a press conference to provide updates on the status of the negotiations. The outcome of these talks will have a significant impact on commuters in Toronto and beyond, highlighting the importance of reaching a timely resolution to avoid disruption to the city’s vital transit services.