By Donna Burman TTC worker and ATU Local 113 member Having a state or province run the subways is a big mistake. In Baltimore, Maryland they already have such a system they are trying to move away from. After multiple incidents in Baltimore, including safety issues, a report made it clear that the only way Continue readingDon’t steal our subway!
transportation industry
On this week’s edition of Rank and File Radio – Prairies Edition: First, a follow up with Nicole Montford, a first-time organizer in Calgary, Alberta, who recently organized a day of action to support a nationalized inter-city bus service to replace Greyhound. We’ll talk about her experience organizing and what she learned in the process. Continue readingRank and File Radio – Prairies Edition: latest episode
By Herman Rosenfeld Many of us in the Toronto public transit movement are looking upon the June 7 Ontario provincial election with a combination of gloom and a glimmer of possibility. Gloom, because the lead that the Ford-led PC’s have promises to signal a roll back of many of the important but moderate gains we Continue readingFighting for Toronto public transit in the provincial election
By Alexandra Bradbury It’s Friday morning, and you’re starting another 12-hour shift in the bitter cold. At least you know the end is in sight, because tomorrow is Saturday and you’re almost to the 60-hour weekly limit. That is, until your manager hits you with the news: UPS has decided to exploit a loophole in Continue readingUPS drivers beat forced overtime during holiday rush
by Meagan Gillmore An ongoing strike at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport has revealed the harsh working conditions of the airport’s baggage handlers and grounds crew. Approximately 700 Swissport employees walked off the job on July 28, after rejecting the company’s latest offer. The vote to strike was overwhelming — 95 per cent. These workers include Continue readingBaggage handlers strike exposes airport “underbelly”
By Evan Johnston Transit workers in Hamilton have launched a new campaign to keep the city’s public transportation system — and specifically, the city’s newly approved Light-Rail Transit (LRT) — under public control. The campaign, “Keep Transit Public,” was launched on June 15 by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 107, the union representing drivers, maintenance workers, Continue readingHamilton fights to keep transit public
By Donna Burman The count is now raised to eight positive test results as random drug and alcohol testing heads into its third month at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Recent court decisions have determined that testing is non-evasive as clearly seen in the loss of appeal for the injunction filed by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local Continue reading8 and rising: Effects of TTC’s random alcohol and drug testing
By Donna Burman It has been just over one month since the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) implemented random testing in safety sensitive positions. In that time, five employees have tested positive for alcohol or drug impairment. This pro-active approach seemed to stop impairment before safety is impacted. However, does it establish a significant problem within Continue readingThe Effectiveness of Random Testing at the TTC
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 107 commemorated the 110th Anniversary of the HSR Transit Strike on November 24, 2016 and encouraged Hamilton citizens to join them in a battle against the privatization of Ontario’s hydro and transit. Hundreds of concerned citizens, and several other ATU and CUPE Locals gathered for the rally, which was held in Continue readingWeekend Video: Striking for Public Transit
by Tom Rouse, retired truck driver The Newfoundland and Labrador Employers’ Council (NLEC) rages about the benefits of Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) after commissioning a report by two Memorial University professors. P3s are NLEC’s answer to what it calls a perfect storm of shrinking government revenue and increasing demand for services from an aging population. But there is mounting evidence Continue readingLooking for Solidarity: Oceanex and the OP Trust
By Scott Price Ride-sharing service Uber wants into the Winnipeg taxi market. Looking past the marketing facade, Uber isn’t innovative or inevitable. Uber is in fact deregulation of the taxi industry, modernized using smart phone applications and an aggressive expansion campaign. Studies of the deregulation of the taxi industry in other jurisdictions find a decline Continue readingUber not the answer to Winnipeg’s transport woes
By Dan Janssen, Vice President IAMAW Local 2323 With the Federal election just around the corner, it is a very exciting time to be part of the labour movement in Canada. As a passionate and active union representative, a member of the Toronto Airport Workers Council, and a worker at Canada’s largest airport, I feel Continue readingPearson workers at the vanguard of labour struggles this election