Will TTC labour woes extend to World Cup?
· Toronto Sun
Hopefully both sides will do what’s best for Toronto.
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That’s what Ontario Premier Doug Ford said about the possibility of transit labour strife during this summer’s World Cup, while TTC CEO Mandeep Lali maintains he’s ready to cut a deal.
As on Wednesday, CUPE Local 2 — representing TTC communications and electrical workers — are in a legal strike position after their collective agreement expired in March.
A “no board” report issued by the Labour Ministry late last month also suggest the city and the union remain far apart, making the possibility of disruptions a real one.
If a deal isn’t reached by Friday, CUPE Local 2 members could find themselves locked out as early as Saturday — mere weeks before the first game is set to begin.
City and World Cup officials are concerned that even the slightest disruption to Toronto’s fragile and over-worked transit system could spell disaster once the expected 300,000 to 500,000 out-of-town visitors arrive.
What Doug Ford said of the issue
Speaking to reporters, Ford said he’s hopeful the Red Rocket will still be running when the world arrives.
“Hopefully they will come to their senses, both parties, I never take one side or the other,” Ford said.
“Let’s sit in a room, lock the door, and then come out with a deal. We’ve been going through this for decades and decades on many negotiations.”
The premier didn’t directly answer questions on if he would support back-to-work legislation.
“First, put the people in Toronto that’s hosting it ahead of the negotiations, maybe they can take a break and go back to work and support a world-class event like FIFA,” Ford said.
“That would go a long way for the people of Ontario to see that happen.”
TTC ‘remains at the table,’ CEO says
In a statement Tuesday evening, Lali — who began his transit career in the signals and electrical department in the London Underground — said discussions have been ongoing.
“Every dollar committed at the bargaining table is a dollar paid by taxpayers and riders, and every long-term cost decision has consequences for service reliability and affordability,” he said.
“The union’s current proposal would add approximately $40 million in additional costs over the term of the agreement. This is on top of a compensation package that already places CUPE Local 2 members at the high end of the public‑sector pay and benefits spectrum.”
Lali said the TTC cannot accept proposals that place unfair burdens on the transit system and the city.
“The TTC remains at the table, ready to negotiate, all day, every day to reach a fair and financially sustainable agreement that supports employees and protects reliable transit service for the millions of customers who rely on us daily.”