As the clock ticks down until most TTC workers are in a legal strike position for the first time in years, a potential walkout would impact millions of people in and around Toronto.
Among those who would be hardest hit by a TTC labour disruption would be elementary and secondary school students, and that raises questions about what it means for hundreds of thousands of Toronto youth and teachers.
Should nearly 12,000 ATU Local 113 workers walk off the job, there would be no bus, streetcar or subway service. TTC Wheel-Trans service would be unaffected.
CityNews contacted the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) on Thursday to ask what plans are in place to support students and staff.
A TDSB spokesperson referred CityNews to a letter issued to parents on Wednesday. While there is a P.A. day for elementary students on Friday, high school students have a regular school day.
“Travelling to and from school may be a challenge for some, so we would ask students and families to please plan accordingly and leave enough time to arrive on time,” the letter said.
“Thank you for your understanding as we all prepare for what could be a challenging time to get around in our city.”
If students are bused to school through the TDSB, that transportation will continue but traffic backlogs could mean delays.
“All other students should explore alternate methods of transportation including carpooling or biking and/or walking in order to get to school,” officials wrote.
TDSB childcare centres will still be open and if anyone has questions specific to care, they were encouraged to call the centres directly.
When asked twice if remote learning would be an option for students, TDSB officials didn’t answer if that would be possible.
A TCDSB spokesperson said the board “recognize(s) the impact on families given the potential strike,” adding elementary students also have a P.A. day on Friday.
“While the ATU has given assurances that a 48-hour notice period would be given before any disruption occurs, we are requesting families to prepare and plan for this possible service disruption by planning for additional travel time (by foot, bike or car), and considering carpooling options if available,” a letter issued to parents on Wednesday said.
“We thank you for your understanding, patience, and support as we navigate this together.”
When asked about potential remote learning options, the spokesperson said if parents can’t make alternate transportation arrangements for their children they should “connect with their teacher if support is needed.”
CityNews also contacted Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce’s office to ask about how the Ministry of Education is responding and working with the school boards in Toronto, but a representative wasn’t immediately available.