A message from TTC CEO Rick Leary

Transit Worker Assault Awareness Day

On December 17, the TTC and the City of Toronto will recognize Transit Worker Assault Awareness Day. The day brings attention to some of the challenges that transit workers, including TTC employees, face every day on the job. 

While we have seen a significant decrease in reported offences since January 2023 – a reduction of 45 per cent – even one assault is one too many. 

This past year, the TTC has taken numerous additional steps to help protect and support our frontline workers, but we know there is still work that needs to be done to enhance safety across the transit system.

We have added an additional 130 Customer Service Agents and 30 Supervisors to increase visibility and improve incident response. This is in addition to the Community Safety Ambassadors, Streets to Homes workers and security guards already in the system.

I also want to highlight employee resources that are available should you need them. This year, we launched the Trauma Assist Program, which supports individuals who have experienced trauma in the workplace by providing specialized care, managing symptoms, and building resiliency through a flexible program.

The Trauma Assist Program can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phoning through Telus Health (formerly known as Lifeworks) at 1-800-572-0039 or TTY:711 (TTY to voice) or 1-800-855-1155 (Telecommunications Relay Service). Support is also available online at the MyEAP App or workhealthlife.com.

The Trauma Assist Program is in addition to the already existing Peer Support Program. The Peer Support Program offers confidential peer support to employees who have experienced a traumatic incident at work and can be reached at 416-397-8326.

Please know that we take all instances of physical abuse, harassment and threats seriously. Our established Court Advocacy Program is there to support criminal prosecution of those charged with criminal acts against employees and we work with police to prosecute to the full extent of the law. 

The safety of our employees and customers is always our top concern and we will never waver from that. Every day, you show tremendous dedication and skill to keep Toronto moving – and you deserve to feel safe while doing so.

TTC Board meets next week

A special meeting of the TTC Board to discuss our budgets will take place on December 20. A great deal of work has been done with our colleagues at the City and our proposed budget will reflect this dialogue. The public meeting will be live-streamed on the Official TTC YouTube Channel.

Stay safe.

Get involved

Help spread the warmth this season by donating to the Coat Drive

Donate a new coat or monetary donation to the Coat Drive. Our goal this year is to provide 250 new coats for the community.

See the poster for drop-off locations and contact information.

Come on down and donate to the Recreation Council's 2023 Food Drive

Drop off a donation or purchase a pre-made bag of food on December 17, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Valu-mart (985 Woodbine Ave.). Donations will go to Dundas Street Public School, Feed Scarborough, George Webster Public School and Interval House. See the poster for more details.

Join TTC Instructor Jack Martin's retirement presentation 

Join a retirement presentation for Jack Martin, Instructor in the Operations Training Centre, on December 21, 2023, at 10:15 a.m., at 780 Kipling Ave., Door 5. Jack has positively influenced many Operators over his 30 years at the TTC. Thank you for your service, Jack! See the poster for more information about the retirement presentation.

TTC and Recreation Council host successful fundraisers in November and December

Throughout November, TTC employees donated cans of soup for the Veterans Food Bank Association. Also in November and December, employees and the public had the opportunity to donate toys for various community organizations in Toronto.

Over 12,500 cans of soup and 10,000 toys were collected. Thank you to everyone who donated and helped organize these events!

All aboard the Gingerbread Train

On December 12, the TTC wrapped a subway train in a festive gingerbread theme. The Gingerbread Train features well wishes in 15 different languages and will run along Line 1 for the remainder of the holiday season.

Congrats to the 2023 Leadership Advantage program graduates

On December 6, 115 TTC employees graduated from the 2023 Leadership Advantage training program. Employees were joined by their Managers and TTC Executives to celebrate their achievements.  

Leadership Advantage was first launched by Employee Development in 2017 and is TTC’s flagship leadership skills development program. This cutting-edge course blends webinars, in-class sessions, readings, and group discussions with a practical focus, giving participants an opportunity to apply their learning on the job. 

Each year, the program updates to align with current workplace trends. Alan Lyons, Employee Development Specialist, program designer and facilitator has already begun designing the 2024 Leadership Advantage curriculum.

Stay tuned for information on next year’s program, and congrats to the 2023 graduates!

TTC and Tangled Art + Disability host Transit as a canvas event

On December 1, the TTC partnered with Tangled Art + Disability, a disability-led arts organization, to host the Transit as a canvas: Celebrating Black, Indigenous and Racialized Artists with Disabilities event.

This event took place at Wheel-Trans Division and featured the artwork of eight artists, a performance by ASL poet Tamyka Bullen, and remarks from TTC Chief People Officer Shakira Naraine and Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit Chair Anita Dressler. Art pieces from the project will be displayed across the system and on two Wheel-Trans vehicles until January 2024.

Learn more about Transit as a canvas and the artists on ttc.ca.

Removal of service stops during severe weather

During severe weather (more than five centimetres of snow or five millimetres of freezing rain), the TTC may temporarily remove service stops at 56 key locations across the city to ensure the safe and effective movement of TTC vehicles and passenger pick-up.

New permanent signs inform customers where the closest in-service stop is located if these stops are taken out of service. Customers can also scan a QR code for more details.

More information about winter weather bus stop removal.

Staying safe in winter weather

With winter just around the corner, it’s essential to protect your safety and the safety of others when the weather may create hazardous conditions.

Fortunately, winter readiness planning is done year-round at the TTC. Teams across the organization ensure our winter inventory and equipment are replenished and ready to meet the winter weather. We also use the off-season to enhance employee training and modify our severe weather operations plans.

With winter approaching, this is an appropriate time to remind employees to prevent slips, trips and falls and how to avoid cold stress health issues like frostbite and hypothermia.

Read more in the Safety Notice.

2023 Accounts Payable's Year End

Please be advised that there are strict and firm upcoming year-end financial reporting deadlines. In order for the Accounts Payable Department to meet these deadlines, we ask that you submit invoices as soon as possible. 

Important dates to remember:

• January 11, 2024 - Approved invoices due to Accounts Payable
• January 11, 2024 - System contract distribution changes due
• January 18, 2024 - Accrual requests due by noon
• February 15, 2024 - Accrual reversal will be processed

Full details for submitting your invoices can be accessed here.

Statutory holidays and closing times for 2023

As a reminder, the following upcoming dates are the legislated and approved designated substitute lieu Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day (2024) for non-unionized employees:

• Christmas Day – Monday, December 25, 2023 
• Boxing Day – Tuesday, December 26, 2023
• New Year’s Day – Monday, January 1, 2024 

Administration offices will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 22, and Friday, December 29, 2023. Please note that unionized employees are governed by their respective collective agreement.

Changes to approved safety footwear vendors in 2024 

TTC's contracts with its three footwear vendors (Mark’s Commercial, Mister Safety Shoe and Work Authority) expire on December 31, 2023.

The TTC has renewed new contracts with Mark’s Commercial and Work Authority, effective January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. Effective January 1, 2024, all previously issued and any new vouchers will no longer be accepted at Mister Safety Shoe. Only Mark’s Commercial and Work Authority will accept vouchers. 

Previously issued and valid safety footwear vouchers will continue to be honoured by Mark’s Commercial, Mister Safety Shoe and Work Authority until December 31, 2023. Employees are responsible for ensuring that the vouchers are used before the expiration date. 

For any questions about vouchers, their validity, and vendors, please contact Eliana Anton at Eliana.Anton@ttc.ca.

Congrats to the Holiday Photo Contest winners!

TTC employees were asked to share a photo of them in their holiday outfit, for a chance to win a TTC holiday-themed prize pack, which includes this year's Gingerbread Streetcar.

Thank you to everyone who entered!

Congratulations to Noor Al-Shaikh, Suzana Bruni (pictured above), Mark Serrano, Reka Sivarajah and Christina Whitfield!

TTC Pension Plan wishes you a happy holidays

As we bid farewell to 2023, wrap up with a sprinkle of holiday cheer from your TTC Pension Plan e-Newsletter. As we step into the new year, take a moment to reflect on key highlights and important Plan details.

Active members can read the newsletter here, and retired members can read the newsletter here. You can also join the mailing list to receive future updates.

Staff at Roncesvalles Yard once again continue holiday tradition for residents of neighbouring retirement lodge

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, staff at Roncesvalles Yard arranged decorations around the building’s exterior so that residents in the neighbouring retirement lodge could enjoy the season from their windows. 

Staff continued their efforts ever since, making this year the third time they've honoured the annual tradition.

TTC employees can receive an exclusive, collector's edition of Monopoly

Celebrate Toronto with the exclusive, collector's edition of Monopoly with the promo code TTC2023. See the poster for more details.

You can find tons of great deals like this one on the TTC Recreation Council's page on MyTTC | SAP Jam.

Safety, Security and Environment Executive Committee

December meeting highlights now available

Topics from the December SX meeting include:

• 2024 TTC Safety, Health & Environment Policy and Workplace Violence Policy
• Line 3 SRT Derailment Incident
• Business Continuity Progress Update and Implementation Strategy
• Collision Reduction Strategy – Bus Transportation
• Railway Crossing Gate Arm Contact – Progress Avenue
• Safety & Security Scoreboard & Period Review

On the move

Colin Mason appointed Vehicle Inspector, effective November 5, 2023

Colin joined the TTC in 2022 as a Garage Foreperson in Bus Maintenance and Shops. As a foreperson, Colin worked at Birchmount Garage on various shifts and was most recently on the inspection shift. As Vehicle Inspector, Colin will complete on-site inspections, provide support and guidance during the manufacturing process, and act as a liaison between the operating departments and the Sustainable Innovation Department.

Colin has over 30 years of industry experience, specializing in truck and bus maintenance, vehicle inspection, auditing and training, and working with large fleets and original equipment manufacturers. Prior to joining the TTC, Colin held roles such as Fleet Maintenance Supervisor and Volvo Mack Dealer Service Manager.

Colin is a 310T Truck and Coach Technician and holds Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) Site Operator and Internal Combustion Alternative Fuel Technician certifications. 

Mark your calendar

Events and observances from December 18-31, 2023

December 18 - International Migrants Day

December 20 - International Human Solidarity Day

December 21 - Winter Solstice

December 21 - Yule begins (Pagan/Wicca)

December 24 - Advent ends (Christianity)

December 24 - Christmas Eve (Christianity)

December 25 - Christmas (Christianity)

December 26 - Boxing Day

December 26 - Kwanzaa begins

December 31 - New Year's Eve

See a list of all 2023 and 2024 statutory holidays for non-union employees.

See all the 2023 observances in this year's desk calendar.

Looking to include a date in Mark Your Calendar? Email us at MyTTCWeekly@ttc.ca.

| Employee Career Centre

New TTC internal job postings

At the TTC, we are committed to helping you reach your professional goals through internal promotion and transfer opportunities. The Employee Career Centre allows current employees to apply for any available position.

The TTC is committed to fostering a positive workplace culture with a workforce that is representative of the communities it serves. Committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, the TTC encourages applications from all qualified applicants. Accommodation is available for applicants of all abilities throughout the recruitment process.

New positions available:

Corporate Services

• Procurement & Contract Specialist (Req I.D. 7580)
• Storeperson (Req I.D. 8495)
• Category Manager - Construction (Req I.D. 8049)
• Category Manager - Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements Project (Req I.D. 6344)
• Category Manager - Fleet Vehicles (Req I.D. 8534)

Engineering, Construction and Expansion

• Design Engineer, Mechanical (Req I.D. 7530)
• Engineering Application Support Technician (Req I.D. 8509)

Operations and Infrastructure

• Tower Controller (Pool) (Req I.D. 8778)
• Technician, Non-Destructive Testing, Track (Req I.D. 8753)
• Senior Foreperson, Subway Track (Req I.D. 8658)

Strategy and Customer Experience

• Senior Customer Service Representative (Req I.D. 8592)

Transportation and Vehicles

• Garage Foreperson (Req I.D. 7095)

For more information and a list of all current job postings, visit the Employee Career Centre on MyTTC | Home. Log in with your MyTTC username and password.

Please contact Diversity and Culture – Talent Management at 416-393-4570 with any questions.

See what TTC's Instagram account posted this week

"Gumdrops? Icing? Our holiday gingerbread train is fresh out of the oven and rolling through our stations! Catch this sweet ride throughout the holiday season ✨"

Check out @takethettc on Instagram, @ttchelps on X (formerly known as Twitter), TTC's Facebook page and TTC's LinkedIn page to see more.

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