Double Strike Threat Could Hit TTC
Posted March 26, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Is it possible the TTC could settle its differences with the Amalgamated Transit Union and still wind up on strike? It could happen if another union decides to walk the picket line against the system.
While the drivers, led by union boss Bob Kinnear, continue to get all the attention as Tuesday’s deadline nears, it turns out that there are actually three unions involved in negotiations with the Red Rocket – and at least one of them is very unhappy about all the attention being given to the other guys.
So now CUPE Local 2, whose 500 workers control the switching systems in the subway and all the communications equipment that are needed to coordinate the train, streetcar and bus routes, is taking its own strike vote. It’s an effort to force the TTC to talk to them, with spokesman Mike Santos telling CityNews.ca that the entire system would likely shut down if they went on strike.
He admits it might be possible to keep it up and running – but claims it wouldn’t be safe for passengers.
They’re also looking at the same Tuesday morning deadline as their counterparts but their request seems much simpler than the ATU’s. They just want to get the attention of officials in the front office.
Santos complains the brass has only talked to them once this month and twice in February, even though the deadline is close. And he notes since they’re not busy with the ATU with talks temporarily off, they’re certainly available.
He refuses to say what the areas of dispute may be, but he wants to make it clear no talk means they may walk. “We are ready to negotiate anytime,” Santos notes in a statement. “We have done everything we can to move this process along, but we can’t negotiate with ourselves. We need management’s team at the table.”
What does this mean to you? A double strike threat that could shut down the system even if management is able to settle things with the ATU.
TTC Chair Adam Giambrone admits they usually combine the negotiations, but this year is different. “We’re committed to working with CUPE 2 to resolve the issues,” he vows. “Many of them are similar to the A.T.U. Obviously they represent a slightly different bargaining unit than 113.
“They’re an important part of the commission. They deal with things like our signal systems, for example our cameras, and we’re committed to working with them to find a collective agreement.”
The CUPE strike vote is being held Thursday at the Ontario Institute for Studies In Education building. Results should be in by about 9pm.
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