Ontario Legislature Orders TTC Workers To Go Back To Work

April 27, 2008 9:46 a.m. EST

Toronto, Canada (AHN) - Striking Toronto Transit workers will be handed a back-to-work order by Ontario legislators after paralyzing mass transportation over the weekend.

According to reports, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has convened lawmakers for an emergency session late Sunday to compel TTC workers to report for work immediately or pay $2,000 in penalties.

CBC News reported that all three political party leaders in Ontario have expressed support for the legislation.

An estimated 1.5 million commuters were affected by the strike which began midnight Friday.

TTC and the Amalgamated Transit Union attempted to resume negotiations on Saturday afternoon, but talks broke off later in the evening, according to the report.

As soon as it receives Royal Assent, the back-to-work order will end the strike immediately and impose fines of up to $25,000 per day for the union or employer's non-compliance.

Workers, on the other hand, will be penalized 2,000 per day. CBC News reported that both sides will be given five days to appoint a negotiator to whom they would refer all outstanding contract issues.