TTC cutting service ahead of vax-related worker suspensions

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With upwards of 2,000 workers yet to make public their COVID vaccination status, the TTC is bracing for staffing shortfalls as the disclosure deadline looms.

On Wednesday, the TTC announced preliminary plans to maintain service in light of a manpower crunch — measures that may include service cuts, even as current ridership levels remain about half of normal volumes.

The service’s plans, read a statement by TTC CEO Rick Leary, are centred around “protecting and maintaining scheduled service” on the city’s busiest routes as the Nov. 20 deadline for employees to disclose their vaccination status draws closer.

“Our plans for November and December ensure we can continue to do that, even with a reduction in available workforce,” Leary said.

“Protecting service for those who need us most and delivering the service that our customers expect of us is my priority.”

Schedules made available to employees Wednesday focuses on maintaining peak service levels on the city’s busiest surface routes, including Wilson, Jane, Eglinton and Finch.

“Other routes will see varying levels of temporary service changes, in many cases similar to the seasonal changes made in the summer and in December,” read the press release.

“Scheduled waiting time changes will generally be minimal, and all changes will result in ridership levels that are within TTC service standards.”

Other measures being enacted include increased hiring of new operators, cancellation of weekend and nightly closures to keep operators from being tied up driving shuttle buses, and ongoing efforts to entice retirees to return to work.

TTC employees who aren’t fully vaccinated from COVID-19 — or those who refuse to disclose their vaccination status to supervisors — by Nov. 20 will be placed on unpaid leave.

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Those who refuse to disclose their status by the end of the year will be fired.

About 88% of the TTC’s 15,090 active employees have disclosed their status.

ATU Local 113, representing 12,000 unionized TTC workers, called the cuts an “avoidable mistake” caused by mismanagement.

“Instead of working with the union, the TTC opted to bulldoze their mandatory disclosure policy through causing a potential staff shortage,” said Local 113 president Carlos Santos.

“Instead of cutting service, the TTC should look at sensible alternatives that help protect workers and riders, such as regular testing for the small number of members who wish not to receive the vaccine.”

bpassifiume@postmedia.com
On Twitter: @bryanpassifiume