Unifor is celebrating the decision from all levels of government to support the Toronto Transit Commission in pursuing a single-source contract with Alstom Transport Canada that would see new TTC Line 2 subway cars built by the organization.
The TTC had previously begun a bidding process to allow companies to submit a proposal to build the trains, but that process has been cancelled.
“This is a great victory. Unifor fought long and hard to get the federal, provincial and municipal governments to get on board and support a Made-in-Canada solution,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We must use our Canadian procurement dollars to support Canadian workers and Canadian-made products, especially given the current trade war.”
“This decision to formally award this contract to Alstom speaks volumes with respect to how we must support Canadian workers, local industries, economies and communities. We need to see more of this if we are to build a more resilient Canadian economy.”
The Alstom contract means Unifor members will build 70 six-car trains; 55 of those to replace aging infrastructure on Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) and 15 to be used for the Yonge North and Scarborough Extensions.
“We are excited and ready to build the subways of the future,” said Unifor Local 1075 President Justin Roberts. “Reliable, sturdy and resilient; the way today’s announcement has contributed to the working lives of our members.”
Discussions on the contract are expected to take place over the next few months.
A report on the status of negotiations will be delivered to the TTC Board by the end of 2025.
The contract would include options to purchase additional trains to meet future needs, contingent upon Alstom’s performance, when funding is committed.
The workers at the Alstom Plant in Thunder Bay are represented by Unifor Local 1075.
