TTC strike suspended after ‘framework’ deal, union says

TORONTO — Toronto’s transit workers union says it has reached a “framework” agreement with the TTC to avoid a strike and near-total shutdown of service.

Contract talks have stalled, but ATU Local 113 says it has reached an agreement with the Toronto Transit Commission to suspend the strike while it works on a final agreement.

Wages, benefits and job security were among the union’s main issues in this round of negotiations.

It sought protections against contracting out jobs and turning over cross-border services to other transit operators in the Greater Toronto Area.

A strike would have brought Canada’s most populous city to a screeching halt, halting the TTC’s fleet of subways, streetcars and buses while clogging Toronto’s already congested roads with additional traffic.

The last TTC strike in 2008 ended after less than two days when the provincial government legislated employees back to work at the mayor’s request.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 6, 2024.

The Canadian Press