The internal fight over the TTC’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy has escalated.

Lawyers for the Toronto Transit Commission have filed an urgent application with the Ontario Labour Relations Board accusing the union which represents TTC workers of carrying out illegal strike action by encouraging workers to refuse to disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status.

In a statement, TTC CEO Rick Leary says, “ATU Local 113 executives have engaged in a campaign that is creating obstacles to the TTC’s objectives (of keeping employees and customers safe) and are hindering the best public advice regarding vaccinations. He calls it “unfortunate for the people they represent, as some of these individuals are now in a position where they may be unable to continue working.”

In response, ATU Canada President John Di Nino slammed Leary saying the TTC’s CEO has caused unrest by implementing confusing mandatory vaccination policies.

TTC employees have been asked to confirm their vaccination status by September 30th and have until October 30th to become fully vaccinated with two doses.