Content of the article

Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 113, which represents nearly 12,000 TTC workers, opposes the TTC’s mandatory vaccination policy.

Content of the article

The TTC announced on Friday a revised deadline of November 20 for employees to receive their second dose – “a measure that will ensure safe operations as the policy goes into effect,” a press release read.

“Recognizing that more than 600 employees have received their first dose of vaccine in recent weeks, the deadline for receiving two doses (or one dose of a single-dose series) has been extended to November 20,” said the Incl.

“Safety is always our main concern. Our priority during the pandemic continues to ensure that everyone who works at TTC is as safe as possible, ”TTC CEO Rick Leary said in the statement. “I want to thank everyone who got vaccinated and told us their status. This is an important step in putting the pandemic behind us and ensuring that we are doing all we can to keep our family, friends and communities healthy. “

Employees who do not comply could be terminated.

“Employees who are not vaccinated or who have not shared their status by the end of the day on November 20 will be placed on unpaid absence until they complete their vaccination course,” TTC said. . “As of December 31, employees who are not vaccinated or who have not shared their proof of the full vaccination dose will have their employment terminated.”

Content of the article

ATU Local 113 responded quickly with their own statement.

“ATU Local 113 renews its call for the TTC to allow regular testing as an alternative to COVID-19 vaccination, similar to what the Brampton, Mississauga and Hamilton transit systems offer,” said ATU Local 113 president Carlos Santos.

“We have opposed the TTC’s tough approach to vaccination since the announcement of its mandatory vaccination policy,” he said. “ATU Local 113 remains firmly convinced that vaccination should be the choice of every worker. “

“We will continue to work with the TTC to get as many members vaccinated as possible through education, rather than coercion… Ending the unvaccinated workers who have worked throughout the pandemic is the wrong approach,” said Carlos Santos. “Most importantly, this is an insult to our 12,000 members who have worked on the front lines over the past 18 months.”

Content of the article

Leary of the TTC said, “It is unfortunate that we have to take these steps. TTC is an essential service and we need it to be a safe place for everyone. We will do our utmost to uphold our core value of security. “

The TTC said about 85% of its active employees shared their COVID-19 vaccination status, with 89% of those who did being fully vaccinated and 11% with a single dose.

The TTC said that 83% of its unionized employees and 93% of its non-unionized workers shared their status.

Recent retirees could be asked to return to work, or there could be hires if the numbers get too low if service returns to more consistent numbers as the city returns to normal.