TTC Now An Essential Service

March 30, 2011 12:10 PM

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.


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 or prevent a TTC work stoppage.
  • The City of Toronto estimates that TTC work stoppages cost the economy $50 million a day.

Learn More


Contacts

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

Ministry of Labour
ontario.ca/labour