Impending Transit Worker Strike in Toronto set for Monday April 21, 2008

Approximately 9,000 drivers, ticket takers, operators and maintenance workers will prepare to strike if there is no agreement between the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 and the employer the TTC.  The demands revolve around wage increases, pensions and benefits. 

Currently the Toronto transit workers do not receive full pay when they are injured in the line of duty; this is absolutely reasonable as other city workers receive 100% pay when they are hurt on the job.  Ironically there was a subway train accident yesterday where two workers were sent to the hospital when their trains collided – no passengers were on these trains.  Furthermore it is well-documented that most of the TTC workers have experienced violence and aggression on the job.

The 2006 wildcat strike was in response to the safety and compensation for workers specifically focusing on the ability to allow the fare collectors to decide if they are going to challenge a potentially violent situation where there is a dispute over fare.  Union leadership claims that they did not provoke this surprise strike by the union members; that it was the members who pushed for this action – and that is completely plausible considering that union leadership is confined to work in co-operation with management through collective bargaining and negotiations thus subduing any real worker struggle and keeping labour peace.  Alternatively it is the rank and file workers who are the ones who naturally want to agitate in order to swiftly and potently struggle for their demands. 

The TTC chief general manager’s salary has risen 65% since 2000, while their wages have gone up 22% therefore they are taking action for much better wage increases in addition to job safety and pension demands.  The imminent strike threat tomorrow is another example of the workers using their power to force these important demands for their jobs.  Unfortunately their organization is working in a bubble; and seems to have very little outside support, at least according to mainstream media.  However, two other smaller TTC locals will strike as well in support of their comrades.  But it does not seem to go beyond this solidarity.  With a strike, more than a million commuters will be affected.  Quickly and powerfully the city will be in chaos as workers from all over the Greater Toronto Area attempt to go to work.  The immediate effect will be overwhelming and will send a powerful message that these workers’ labour power is essential and absolutely vital to the economy.  It is unfortunately the expectation that the provincial government will order the workers back on the job, thus stealing their labour power and ability to ensure that all workers can make a decent living wage.  Public support, i.e. the support from other workers, could also send a message to capital, that they should not mess with the transit workers’ powers, that they know they depend on the strength of the TTC workers and their influence over wages in other sectors of the economy.   

Regardless of the specifics of the demands, it is of the utmost importance that the transit workers not concede to management in any paltry offer.  The reason for this economically is that this key industry of transportation has not only swift and mighty power to reach their demands, but any progress they can make provides more leverage for other workers in the city.  Erosion of wages and benefits in a key industry is hurtful for the entire working class.  It is vital that all workers recognize the significance of supporting the TTC workers and if possible, to organize work stoppages in solidarity with these workers.