Ontario Responds To Toronto's Request To Ban TTC Strikes

 
 

February 22, 2011 11:10 AM

Proposed Legislation Would Address Unique Importance of TTC Service

In response to a request from the Toronto City Council, Ontario is introducing new legislation to ban strikes and lockouts on the city's transit system.

The proposed Toronto Transit Commission Labour Disputes Resolution Act, 2011, to be introduced later today, responds to the City's request to designate the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) as an essential service. The legislation, if passed, would provide for binding arbitration by a neutral third party when collective agreements cannot be reached through bargaining. The Act, if passed, also calls for a review of the legislation after a five-year period.

Today's announcement follows consultations held between the Ministry of Labour, the City of Toronto, the TTC and all its bargaining agents.

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QUICK FACTS

 
  • Toronto City Council passed a resolution on Dec. 16, 2010 to request provincial legislation to make the TTC an essential service.
  • About 1.5 million people ride the TTC every business day.
  • Legislation has been used five times since 1974 to end work stoppages.
  • The City of Toronto estimates that TTC work stoppages cost the economy $50 million a day.

CONTACTS

  • Matt Blajer
    Communications Branch
    416-326-7405
  • Greg Dennis
    Minister's Office
    416-326-7710



Ministry of Labour
ontario.ca/labour


 

"We will introduce legislation at the request of the City of Toronto and, if passed, it recognizes how vitally important the TTC is to our economy, the environment and the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on the city's transit system to go to work and school and shop. Our proposed legislation addresses Toronto's unique needs and concerns as they relate to its transit service, public health and safety, and economic well-being."

 – Charles Sousa
Minister of Labour

 
 
 
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