Coronavirus: TTC announces layoffs as its forced to adapt amid COVID-19 pandemic

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) announced Thursday it will be laying off almost 1,200 employees — 1,000 union and 200 non-union — in an attempt to cost-save amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

TTC CEO Rick Leary said in a statement that the decision was not an easy one to make.

“We will take care of the impacted employees as best we can during this difficult time and I look forward to everyone returning to the TTC once ridership has returned to pre-COVID-19 levels,” he said.

The TTC said it has seen an 85 per cent drop in ridership and a loss of $90 million in monthly revenue since the pandemic began.

A letter sent to employees on behalf of Leary said the transit commission will work with the union, as well as with non-union staff, to “minimize” the impact of the layoffs on the employees.

“The TTC will be working to establish a compensation and benefits arrangement for employees to minimize negative impacts as a result of the layoffs,” Leary said in the letter.

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“To all those who may be impacted, I want you to know that I am thinking about you and your families,” Leary continued. “I want to make sure you know that this is in no way a reflection on the value we place on the work you do and I am committing to updating you as information is available.”

Safety measures have been put into place to protect both customers and employees, including entering and exiting off buses at the rear doors. Customers are also asked to solely use PRESTO, as operators will no longer be handling cash, tokens or tickets.

The TTC also rolled out specialized cleaning measures in an effort to keep buses, trains and streetcars free of COVID-19.

Service is operating at 70 to 80 per cent of its normal levels, with focus on priority and busier routes to ensure proper social distancing protocols can be met by customers.

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