TTC Ready If Workers Protest on the Job
The boss at the TTC says they'll take "whatever action is needed to make sure people do their jobs properly".
The President of Amalgamated Transit Union 113 has hinted that members could slow their work down, or let riders get on subways, streetcars or buses without paying.
It would be a show of protest after the TTC voted Thursday to contract out 160 bus cleaning jobs. The move is expected to save$ 4.3-million/year when fully rolled out.
CEO Andy Byford says he believes in the professionalism of TTC employees & doesn't think there's any desire to hurt customers.
No ATU members will lose their jobs through the contracting out of cleaning. They'll be shifted to other positions within the TTC.
Still, the union isn't happy. After the commission OKed outsourcing cleaning, members inside the committee room where the decision was made shouted "shame", "you guys are a disgrace" & "you should be ashamed of yourself". Dozens of ATU members streamed out of City Hall chanting "Where's the respect?".
Byford insists there's no war on employees at it tries to fill a $28-million hole in its budget. He says he's still looking for efficiencies throughout the organization, including with management.
Byford says the last thing he wants is a rift between himself, employees or the union. He says it's why he's been working with ATU to get a deal since February.
Byford says he told the union an $18/hour wage would be enough to keep the work in house. The rate now is a little over $27/hour. It isn't clear how much the contract cleaners will be making.
Byford adds that he was willing to take contracting out off the table, if the union would agree to a smaller pay raise. Byford says Local 113 President Bob Kinnear told him his members wouldn't go for it.
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