2 (Two) TTC strikes for the price of one!
It seems that there’s going to be another strike to coincide with the main TTC strike done by the workers who represent the high number of TTC drivers, subway operators and streetcar operators by the Amalgamated Transit Union. This time though, another union decided to take part: CUPE Local 2.
The workers behind CUPE local 2 represent the workers who control the entire switching systems inside the subway and control all communications equipment that are needed for the streetcar, subway and bus operation could potentially strike too - only if they vote on an offer.
Spokesperson Mike Santos stated in an interview that the entire system would grind to a halt, but could keep the system running, but doing that could compromise the safety of the passengers who rely on the TTC almost everyday. The good thing is that their request is more simpler unlike their counterpart, the ATU local 113. The CUPE union is ready for a discussion for negotiation at any time. They have done everything they could but they cannot guarantee that they can’t negotiate by their own selves.
On the other side of the strike discussion, TTC Chair Adam Giambrone states in this own statement: “We’re committed to working with CUPE 2 to resolve the issues…….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.”
While members who represent CUPE is about to do the process of going for a strike vote this Thursday (with full results ready by 9p.m. tomorrow), their is no word on when the workers who represent the ATU on negotiating on the bargaining table…..as the old saying goes, “wait and see.”
Until that is happen, I highly urge you people to plan some alternative options. Keep posted on our blog for further updates. If Mr. Ed Drass, the freelance writer who regularly writes articles for the popular free daily in Toronto, “Metro” and the main newspaper, the National Post, he’ll also state in his own view that the strike is hurting many passengers. He once co-ordinated a facebook group for people who want to deal with the anxiety of the GO Bus drivers strike, which unfortunately didn’t came as a result of the new agreement ratified by the workers.
Either way, we’ll have to watch closely.
References:
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_21030.aspx
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_20995.aspx
http://www.680news.com/news/local/article.jsp?content=20080326_072350_5228
