Public Transit Workers
Toronto Workers Fight to Improve Health and Safety Protections for All
In the early hours of March 12, about a dozen
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) workers
collectively refused to work at a TTC streetcar
facility over concerns about some work being
done to deep clean the streetcars. The overnight
work refusal at the Roncesvalles streetcar
facility was investigated by the provincial
Ministry of Labour, which gave the all-clear for
employees to return to work. Carlos Santos,
President of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)
Local 113, which represents 12,000 public
transit workers in Toronto and York Region, said
in a statement that the refusal was "based on
maintaining reasonable precautions" to protect
workers. "The work refusal allowed for stronger
standards for workers' health and safety," he
said.
On its website, ATU Local 113 details measures
it secured to improve health and safety
protections for all workers and riders.
 "Since the threat
of the coronavirus was known, ATU Local 113 has
demanded that the TTC do everything it can to
ensure a safe, clean and healthy work
environment for all members. After weeks of
persistent demands from ATU Local 113, the TTC
agreed on March 18 to allow workers the choice
of wearing protective masks on the job. This is
an important measure ATU Local 113 secured to
help members protect their health at work. Other
safety measures include all-door boarding on TTC
vehicles because it helps avoid overcrowding at
entrances and provides safe distancing for TTC
workers and riders. Fare collectors and CSAs
[customer service agents] can remain in booths
for as long as they wish for any health and
safety concerns. Along with these protective
measures, ATU Local 113 has secured important
policy changes from the TTC, including 100 per
cent pay if members must go into 14-day
quarantine or self-isolation (assessed on a
case-by-case basis), no medical notes required
for sick days up to and including March 31,
2020, reassurance that all members will receive
the standard 75 per cent sick pay if unwell, and
increased workplace cleaning and disinfection
processes where needed.
"As our country faces unprecedented measures to
combat the coronavirus pandemic, our members are
showing up to work to ensure TTC riders --
including health care workers -- can get to
their destinations safely. And behind the
scenes, our maintenance members are working hard
to keep the TTC system clean and safe, including
vehicles, stations and other work areas."
This article was published in
Number 16 - April 1, 2020
Article Link:
Public Transit Workers: Toronto Workers Fight to Improve Health And Safety Protections for All
Website: www.cpcml.ca
Email: editor@cpcml.ca
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