Silver Spring, MD – After months of contract talks, a strike threat, and an intense campaign, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 113-Toronto, ON, members working for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) voted to ratify the tentative agreement reached in negotiations. Over 80 percent of the members voted in favour of the contract.
The Union gains were a result of an aggressive campaign waged by workers who bravely voted to authorize a strike, which would have been the first Toronto transit strike in nearly two decades. To prepare for the potential strike, the Local with assistance of the ATU International 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.
ATU International President John Costa praised the commitment and perseverance of our members saying, “I’m proud of our Local 113 members. They demonstrated their willingness to fight to protect good union jobs for themselves and future generations of TTC workers. I applaud them for their strength, solidarity, and unity to secure a contract that recognizes their commitment and dedication as frontline heroes to provide safe and reliable transportation that the people of Toronto rely on each day.”
The new three-year contract with the TTC includes substantial wage increases, job protections, improved benefits, and other improvements.
“Congratulations again to our Local 113 members for voting on this contract they fought so hard for,” Costa continued. “They stood shoulder to shoulder and showed that they were willing to lay it all on the line for dignity and justice