Healthy Sigh of Relief for Toronto Commuters Using the TTC

The sigh of relief must be tremendous for Toronto commuters who rely on the TTC  to get around because on March 30, the Toronto Transit Commission Labour Disputes Resolution Act, 2011, was passed by the legislature to make TTC an essential service.

Now, let it be known that henceforth strikes and lockouts at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) are banned.

Here are the reasons why both Toronto and Ontario deem TTC as an essential service.

• About 1.5 million people ride the TTC every business day.
• Legislation has been used five times since 1974 to end or prevent a TTC work stoppage.
• The City of Toronto estimates that TTC work stoppages cost the economy $50 million a day.

Also, I think the result of  TTC work stoppages  is greater greenhouse gas emissions into Toronto’s atmosphere because the commuters who own cars have no choice but must use their cars instead of the TTC.

So more cars on the roads during the work stoppages result in more traffic congestion and air pollution.

This is a good environmental reason to make TTC an essential service.

However, does this mean that our TTC fares will go up to get around town?

Ontario, Canada: Newsroom

News Release

TTC Now An Essential Service

March 30, 2011

McGuinty Government Responds To Request From City Of Toronto

Strikes and lockouts at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) are now banned.

The Toronto Transit Commission Labour Disputes Resolution Act, 2011, was passed by the legislature today. It responds to a request from the Toronto City Council to designate the city’s transit system an essential service.

The legislation provides for binding arbitration by a neutral third party when collective agreements cannot be reached through bargaining. The Act also calls for a review of the legislation after a five-year period.

Prior to passage, consultations were held between the Ministry of Labour, the City of Toronto, the TTC and all its bargaining agents.

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