TTC workers could go on strike at midnight on Monday if deal not reached
![TTC TTC](/content/dam/cp24/en/images/2023/4/10/ttc-1-6349910-1684630835448.jpg)
The clock is ticking down on the final few hours of negotiations between the TTC and members of the union representing about 650 communications, electrical, and signal workers.
After months of unsuccessful contract talks between the two sides, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) - Local 2 is set to strike on Monday at 12:01 a.m., if a deal isn't reached.
The workers have been without a collective agreement since March 2022.
In February, they voted 99.3 per cent in favour of a strike mandate following several rounds of bargaining.
The TTC and the union have continued to meet over the weekend in an effort to find common ground.
The main sticking point is wages that keep up with “surging inflation rates,” CUPE Local 2 President Sumit Guleria, said in a statement last month.
“None of us desire a strike, yet we’re left with no choice,” he said.
“Our services are critical for public safety and directly impact customer well-being. Fair recognition and treatment of our members’ invaluable contributions are imperative.”
Job action could cause service disruptions, says TTC
If a deal can’t be reached, there could be service disruptions, the city’s transit agency said in an April 19 statement.
“While I remain optimistic we can reach an agreement at the table that prevents a strike, we also need to be honest and let our employees know there could be job action next week that impacts their work. In addition, we need to let our customers know that there could be impacts to their TTC trips,” wrote TTC CEO Rick Leary, who did not elaborate on how service could be impacted.
He went on to note that negotiations have been “productive and professional”, adding that he’s “pleased that we are still at the table.”
“However, I believe the mandate our Board has approved and our offers within that mandate are fair to the workers and affordable for the TTC and we will continue to negotiate in good faith,” Leary said.
A CUPE spokesperson told CP24.com that bargaining is presently ongoing and both parties have agreed not to comment until midnight.Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow spoke with reporters about the possible TTC workers strike on Sunday afternoon.
“I know that the unions and the TTC, all of us want to the TTC to be reliable, affordable, and safe and convenient. And with that goal, I think we can come together,” she said.
“Of course, the workers have the right to bargain and what I believe is that they are talking today.”
If a strike happens, it will be the first time that unionized TTC workers walk off the job in nearly 13 years following a court ruling last year that struck down Ontario's designation of the TTC as an essential service.
With files from CP24’s Codi Wilson and Joshua Freeman
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE UPDATES Multiple homes, businesses 'lost' to wildfire in Jasper National Park: Parks Canada
Officials from Parks Canada and Jasper say "multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the town of Jasper, have been lost" to wildfire in Jasper National Park.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have burned in a wildfire.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Tourist suffers 3rd-degree burns to feet after losing flip flops amid soaring temperatures in Death Valley
A tourist was hospitalized after suffering serious burns on his feet on Saturday when he lost his flip flops at a U.S. national park where temperatures soared past 48 Celsius.
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
Former judge with disputed Cree heritage likely has Indigenous DNA: law society
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Australian field hockey player opts to amputate part of his finger in order to compete in Paris Olympics
In the run up to the Paris Olympics, athletes have been stepping up their preparations in order to maintain their edge over competitors. But for Australia’s Matt Dawson, those preparations looked a little different this year, with the field hockey player opting to have part of his finger amputated in order to compete in the Games.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.