Notice to ATU Local 113 Bus Maintenance employees

Dear Colleagues,

For the past 12 months, the TTC has been reviewing its operations in an effort to find savings and efficiencies, as directed by the Commission and City Council.

We have looked very carefully at all areas of the organization where cost savings can be achieved. To date, the TTC has contracted garbage collection and is in the process of contracting public washroom cleaning. Last fall, the TTC re-organized as part of an efficiency review. More than 200 non-unionized positions were eliminated at that time. We committed then, as well, to continue to look for further savings in the organization.

Today, I am informing you of the decision to proceed with a contract for bus and service line cleaning at two garages starting this January. The garages have not yet been identified, but I want to assure you that no one will be laid off as a result of this decision.

The TTC conferred with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 in an effort to allow the union to make proposals that would meet our cost-savings objective. In the end, and after lengthy discussions with the union, we were unable to find an internal solution. Today, the TTC notified the ATU of its decision to move forward with contracted services for bus and service line cleaning.

A report on this matter will go to the Commission for consideration and approval at its September 27 meeting.

The financial realities at the City of Toronto are such that all agencies within the City government must find ways to save money without gutting core services. It is my responsibility, as CEO, to ensure we look at all of our day-to-day activities and make recommendations that are in line with this cost-savings principle. As such, we have been able to find savings for the TTC and, at the same time, not cause you or your colleagues to be out of work. The savings will be realized, over time, through attrition.

I want to thank you for your continued dedication to the TTC and professionalism in all that you do. We will keep you apprised of the timing, locations, and work re-assignments as this new business model is solidified.

Andy Byford
Chief Executive Officer