TTC subway station supervisors vote to strike as contract talks stall

TTC subway station supervisors have voted overwhelmingly to give union negotiators a strike mandate, with 97 per cent of the 115 members who voted in favour of action if a deal cannot be reached.

CUPE Local 5585 says talks for their first collective agreement have stalled over several core issues. The union alleges the TTC is attempting to introduce split shifts that would disrupt work-life balance, reduce sick-leave protections, eliminate or freeze shift premiums, and impose disability provisions inferior to those received by other unionized TTC workers.

Subway station supervisors oversee station staff, conduct daily inspections, and investigate train-related incidents. However, the union notes that a growing portion of the role now involves responding to safety and security incidents. The workers formed their union in 2025, citing shift conditions and workplace safety concerns.

"Their presence throughout stations and on trains is vital to observing and reporting incidents as they occur," the union said, describing station supervisors as "an essential link in the rapid identification and reporting of safety and security concerns."

TTC spokesperson Stuart Green said the agency "respects and values all of its employees" and continues to bargain with CUPE "with the assistance of a conciliator" to reach a fair first contract. The union has offered to resume talks as of Tuesday but said it is still waiting to hear back from TTC negotiators. A timeline for potential job action has not been announced.