Toronto Bus Drivers not there to take money, says union

The union representing Toronto Transit Commission workers, the UTU, has put out a press release informing the city's citizens that their drivers will no longer "force" passengers into paying the $2.75 it costs to travel Toronto's subways and buses.

The president of the UTU local in question has cited customer violence as the reason for not getting his members involved where customers put up a fight about paying their way. In what has to be my favourite LR quote this week:

"We will not put our safety and our incomes at risk for $2.75."

Indeed.

Apparently the union is also concerned that management may try to deduct any "missing" fares from workers incomes. This is curious, primarily because I'm pretty sure that's illegal. (My understanding is you can't deduct amount from workers' pay without their express permission; anyone have any other perspectives on this?)

Management, in the meantime, acknowledges the rise in passenger "issues" over the last few years, but seems genuinely perplexed about the union's concerns about unauthorized pay deductions. I'm getting the feeling that somebody needs to have a conversation with somebody else.

And as for getting around Toronto for cheap, if you know how to make yourself foam at the mouth, you're in luck.