Healthy Sigh of Relief for Toronto Commuters Using the TTC

Healthy Sigh of Relief for Toronto Commuters Using the TTC
Healthy Sigh of Relief for Toronto Commuters Using the TTC

The sigh of relief must be tremendous for Toronto commuters who rely on the TTC  to get around because on March 30, the Toronto Transit Commission Labour Disputes Resolution Act, 2011, was passed by the legislature to make TTC an essential service.

Now, let it be known that henceforth strikes and lockouts at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) are banned.

Here are the reasons why both Toronto and Ontario deem TTC as an essential service.

  • About 1.5 million people ride the TTC every business day.
  • Legislation has been used five times since 1974 to end or prevent a TTC work stoppage.
  • The City of Toronto estimates that TTC work stoppages cost the economy $50 million a day.

Also, I think the result of  TTC work stoppages  is greater greenhouse gas emissions into Toronto’s atmosphere because the commuters who own cars have no choice but must use their cars instead of the TTC.

So more cars on the roads during the work stoppages result in more traffic congestion and air pollution.

This is a good environmental reason to make TTC an essential service.

However, does this mean that our TTC fares will go up to get around town?

Ontario, Canada: Newsroom

News Release

TTC Now An Essential Service

March 30, 2011

McGuinty Government Responds To Request From City Of Toronto

Strikes and lockouts at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) are now banned.

The Toronto Transit Commission Labour Disputes Resolution Act, 2011, was passed by the legislature today. It responds to a request from the Toronto City Council to designate the city’s transit system an essential service.

The legislation provides for binding arbitration by a neutral third party when collective agreements cannot be reached through bargaining. The Act also calls for a review of the legislation after a five-year period.

Prior to passage, consultations were held between the Ministry of Labour, the City of Toronto, the TTC and all its bargaining agents.

QUOTES

“This legislation recognizes the vital importance of the TTC to the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on the transit system to go to work, school, medical appointments, and shop. This act takes into account the health and safety of the millions of riders who use the TTC as well as the unique impact that transit service has on the city’s economic well-being.”

– Charles Sousa
Minister of Labour

QUICK FACTS

  • Toronto City Council passed a resolution on Dec. 16, 2010 to request provincial legislation to make the TTC an essential service.
  • About 1.5 million people ride the TTC every business day.
  • Legislation has been used five times since 1974 to end or prevent a TTC work stoppage.
  • The City of Toronto estimates that TTC work stoppages cost the economy $50 million a day.

LEARN MORE

CONTACTS

  • Greg Dennis
    Minister’s Office
    416-326-7710

Ministry of Labour
ontario.ca/labour

————————————————————

You may also like:

Proposed Provincial Legislation to Designate the TTC an Essential Service