Union representing nearly 700 TTC electrical and trade workers sets strike deadline

A Toronto Transit Commission sign is shown at a downtown Toronto subway stop Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy

Nearly 700 TTC workers could walk off the job in less than two weeks following months of fruitless negotiations with TTC management, their union said Thursday.

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

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The workers have been without a contract since March 2022. In February, they voted 99.3 per cent in favour of a strike mandate.

In a statement, the union said that despite several rounds of bargaining since then, discussions have been “frustrating“ and no agreement has been reached.

The main sticking point in the negotiations has been around wages, with the union saying they want an increase which is in step with “surging inflation rates” in order to address the rising costs of living.

“None of us desire a strike, yet we’re left with no choice,” CUPE Local 2 President Sumit Guleria said in a statement. “Our services are critical for public safety and directly impact customer well-being. Fair recognition and treatment of our members’ invaluable contributions are imperative.”

The TTC has said that it has contingency plans in place in the event of a strike that would allow it to preserve as much service as possible, but some service would likely be affected. Employees in the union include streetcar overhead and subway signal maintainers.

In a statement Thursday, TTC CEO Rick Leary said negotiations "in good faith" are ongoing.

"Both Local 2 and TTC representatives remain at the bargaining table with the intention of reaching a negotiated settlement without the need for job action," Leary said.

"Last November, the TTC Board approved a bargaining mandate. We are committed to reaching an agreement that is fair to Local 2 employees while being affordable for the taxpayers of Toronto."

He added that he is "committed" to keeping customers and employees appraised of any changes.

TTC Chair Jamaal Myers said he's hopeful the two sides will be able to reach an agreement withour a strike and said he is watching developments closely.

"Despite today's notice of a strike date, I am encouraged that CUPE Local 2 leaders and the TTC’s management team remain at the bargaining table," Myers said. "Both sides are actively trying to negotiate a fair agreement. I remain confident that an agreement can be negotiated without the need for job action. Both the union leadership and TTC management have been made aware that the TTC board is following negotiations closely."

If a strike were to go ahead, it would be the first time that unionized TTC workers take job action in nearly 13 years after a court ruling last year struck down Ontario's designation of the TTC as an essential service.