TTC electrical and trade workers prepared to strike Monday if deal not reached: union

The union representing TTC electrical and trades workers says they are prepared to strike on Monday if a deal is not reached with the transit service by the end of the weekend.

CUPE Local 2, which represents approximately 700 workers, has set a deadline of 12:01 a.m. Monday (Sunday midnight) to reach a deal.

“We are currently engaged in negotiations and will continue to be at the bargaining table throughout the weekend. Our goal is to reach a mutually acceptable deal before Monday,” said Sumit Guleria, President of CUPE Local 2, in a statement.

Guleria added should the TTC fail to present them with an offer that meets their reasonable expectations, they are prepared to take necessary action.

Talks between the two sides have been ongoing since February. The electrical and trades employees have been without a contract since April 2022.

“In the event of a strike, we will ensure that the public is promptly informed of our plans and any developments as they occur. It is our hope that such measures will not be necessary,” continued Guleria’s statement.

TTC CEO Rick Leary said Friday talks have been productive and professional, noting both sides remain at the bargaining table.

“While I remain optimistic we can reach an agreement at the table that prevents a strike, we also need to be honest and let our employees know there could be job action next week that impacts their work,” Leary said in a statement. “In addition, we need to let our customers know that there could be impacts to their TTC trips.”

Updates on possible disruptions will be posted on their website and on the social media platform X.

If the walkout happens on Monday, it will be the first time in 13 years that any unionized TTC workers have taken job action after a landmark 2023 court ruling overturned a law banning TTC employees from striking.

With files from Lucas Casaletto