A spring-like day in
Toronto
Friday brought with it an optimistic round of talks between the TTC and the union representing its workers. After too many futile rounds of stormy negotiations, a ray of sunshine finally broke through the clouds.
Worried commuters may not be in the clear just yet, but they can breathe a little easier over the weekend following the announcement from union president Bob Kinnear that no job action would take place without 48 hours notice. The strike could have started as early as Tuesday.
"We have made a commitment to the city that there will be an advisement of at least 48 hours if in fact the talks go off the rails, before any work action would be taken," Kinnear confirms.
The
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113, representing subway, streetcar and bus operators, has postponed any job action until later in the week - if then. And for a change, the angry rhertoric the collective
uttered on Tuesday has been replaced by comforting words of cooperation.
"I do want to thank Commissioner Adam Giambrone for the help that he's provided in getting the parties back to the table," the union boss adds.
Giambrone notes that the latest talks have been hopeful.
"There's a lot of respect from A.T.U. 13 and Bob Kinnear, a respect for Torontonians and a respect for transit riders."
Kinnear agrees, noting both sides want to come to a resolution before things get ugly. "Well, you know, it's very important that not only are we here in body but we're here in mind, and there's a concerted effort to resolve the issues," he said. The talks will continue all weekend.
A provincial conciliator got involved in the discussions Thursday with the aim of bringing both sides back to the table after the ATU walked away from negotiations earlier this week.
The main sticking point appears to be compensation for workers injured or assaulted on the job. Currently the 8,900 employees affected only receive 75 per cent of their pay if they're absent because of an injury sustained during working hours. The union wants to see that raised to 100 per cent.
The transit union has said it would be willing to talk past the strike deadline if progress is being made. Earlier this month they rejected an offer that included a two per cent increase each year over four years.
But while there's positive news at one stop, the ride might not be so smooth at another. TTC signal operators, represented by
CUPE Local 2, voted 94 per cent in favour of a strike Thursday night. Their contract also expires Tuesday which means they could walk next week even if the ATU Local 113 doesn't.
It's believed their move was made to simply get the city's attention. If that was the case, it worked - they'll also be going back to the table on Saturday.
Passengers remain cautiously optimistic while bracing for a breakdown. They're happy that they'll get some notice of a walkout, but ...
"It's still useless to me," shrugs one rider. "I live and die by the TTC. Honestly."
Another does her best Rodney King impression. "I wish," she emotes, "everyone could just get along finally."
City announces strike contigency plans