PRESS RELEASE
EMERGENCY FUNDING FOR TRANSIT OPERATIONS – A RESULT OF
MASS UPRISING AND MOBILIZATION: CANADA’S LARGEST TRANSIT UNION
TORONTO July 16, 2020—The Canadian President of the Amalgamated Transit Union, John Di Nino is encouraged by the federal announcement of funding for transit operations as part of the post-pandemic recovery effort.
Prime Minister Trudeau’s announcement of operating funding for public transit from the federal and provincial governments can be attributed to a bottom-up push from the working class. Since March, transit operations have suffered as ridership plunged and fare revenue completely evaporated in almost all jurisdictions across Canada. As part of the recovery effort, we agree with Prime Minister Trudeau that “no one should have to turn down their job because they don’t want to risk their health during a crowded commute.” We must use this window of opportunity to increase the safety, affordability, and reliability of public transit.
“For too long, austerity cuts, downgraded services, and rising fares pushed transit to the brink of collapse,” added Di Nino. “It is announcements like this that restore people’s faith in the government – and it was clear in a recent poll conducted by Probe Research that 8 out of 10 Canadians support a $5 billion bailout for public transit.”
“We are not done yet. While the details of the funding are yet to be finalized, the working class must continue to pressure governments to ensure that money goes to front-line service,” said Di Nino. “ATU Canada has and will continue to fight for dedicated operational funding.”
Since the start of the pandemic Canadians from coast to coast to coast have been lobbying governments for sustainable transit. We cannot be successful without mass mobilization and deep organizing from transit workers, riders, and transit allies in all communities who understand the value of safe, reliable, and affordable public transit,” said John Di Nino.
The ATU vows to keep pushing for permanent transit funding, noting that even with the announcement of emergency funding today, public transit systems must continue to increase ridership across Canada to meet climate and equity targets.
The Amalgamated Transit Union is made up of 34,000 transit professionals in nine Canadian provinces. They represent vehicle operators, maintenance staff, paratransit operations, clerical staff, dispatchers, administrative professionals and workers in the over-the-road motor coach industry. The union was founded in 1892 and represents workers in Canada’s urban, suburban and rural communities.
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Media Contact:
John Di Nino
ATU Canada President
Phone: 416-938-0746
