What to know
- Torontonians are expressing concern as the TTC and CUPE Local 2 approach a deadline that could result in a lockout of roughly 700 electrical workers.
- A potential lockout could impact subway maintenance and responses to signal issues across Toronto’s transit system.
- Transit riders interviewed by Now Toronto said they are worried about service disruptions but largely support workers fighting for fair pay.
- Political leaders including Olivia Chow and Doug Ford are urging both sides to reach a deal ahead of next month’s FIFA World Cup events.
Torontonians are expressing concern just hours ahead of the deadline for the TTC and its electrical workers to reach a deal, a situation that could lead to a lockout if an agreement is not reached.
The TTC and CUPE Local 2, the union representing roughly 700 electrical workers, have been at the bargaining table attempting to negotiate a new contract after the previous agreement expired in mid-March.
However, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, the TTC will be in a legal position to lock out workers after the province granted the agency a no-board report last month.
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A lockout could impact several parts of the transit system, including subway maintenance operations and responses to signal issues.
Both CUPE Local 2 and the TTC have identified wages as a major sticking point in negotiations. TTC CEO Mandeep Lali has argued that the union’s demands are too high and said they would increase compensation costs by approximately $86,000 per employee over a three-year agreement.
Politicians, including Mayor Olivia Chow and Premier Doug Ford, have both urged the two sides to reach a deal, especially with FIFA World Cup matches set to begin next month.
Transit riders concerned about potential TTC lockout
Now, transit riders across Toronto are voicing their concerns ahead of the deadline, including Tamanna, who told Now Toronto that the possibility of no deal being reached is upsetting.
“The transit is so important to the city, it keeps our city moving, the city is so large and so many people depend on it every single day,” she told Now Toronto.
Despite her concerns, Tamanna says she still hopes any agreement reached benefits workers.
“Just pay people,” she explained.
Obaid, another TTC rider, told Now Toronto he understands a lockout could create challenges for passengers but still supports the union’s position.
“Unions have to fight for what they want; it’s not easy, the cost of living is not high,” he said. “It can inconvenience some people, but if that’s what it takes to get what they want, then it’s alright.”
Matthew Ryan says he does not use transit often because he believes the TTC has long struggled with operational issues, but he hopes workers secure a fair agreement.
“I hope they get it resolved quickly because obviously these workers deserve pay, skilled workers are in demand right now,” he said.
While Ryan says a potential lockout would not affect him significantly, he sympathizes with riders who rely heavily on the TTC.
“I hope they come to a peaceful resolution as soon as possible,” he said.
