Metrolinx and union clash over service reductions

The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) is calling new Metrolinx service cuts “irresponsible and unacceptable” but Metrolinx spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins quickly fired back saying the reductions protect employees and are reflective of reduced ridership during the pandemic.

‌In a release Tuesday, the ATU called on Metrolinx to reverse its latest 15 per cent service cuts, calling them “an affront to both transit workers and transit riders.”

Metrolinx said the reductions are the result of absenteeism due to the COVID-19 Omicron variant and continued low ridership levels.

But the ATU is calling for an expansion, rather than reduction of service.

“Now is not the time to cut transit services but to expand and strengthen public transit to ensure the safety of drivers and riders as well as the survival of our public transit system post-pandemic,” the release said.

“If Metrolinx truly cared about protecting the health and safety of transit riders and maintaining reliable and predictable services they would not be resorting to service cuts,” said John Di Nino, President of ATU Canada.

“Other municipalities and transit authorities like Brampton and Mississauga have navigated this type of situation without measures like this; this isn’t a necessity, Metrolinx is choosing service cuts.”

The ATU argued that service reductions don’t make transit safer, but instead lead “to more overcrowded buses and trains, making it more difficult to socially distance and leading to easier transmission of the virus.”

“Instead of cutting service, Metrolinx should work with ATU Canada, along with numerous public interest groups to advocate for more operational funding from different levels of government,” added Di Nino. “With sustainable and much needed funding, they would not be in the mess they’re in or putting our most vulnerable transit riders at risk.”

Aikins tweeted a response to the ATU saying: “To be clear, no transit staff are being laid off as a result of the service reductions — they are being fully supported to have paid time off to get well or complete isolation.

“In addition, buses and trains are not packed – ridership is back down to approximately 15 per cent pre-pandemic.”

To be clear, no transit staff are being laid off as a result of the service reductions – they are being fully supported to have paid time off to get well or complete isolation. In addition, buses & trains are not packed – ridership is back down to approx 15% pre-pandemic. https://t.co/fsIB80iuth

— Anne Marie Aikins (@MetrolinxSpox) January 11, 2022