Toronto transit union lauds TTC Chair for "Undercover Boss" appearance

TORONTO, Feb. 17, 2012 /CNW/ - The union that represents nearly 10,000 workers at the Toronto Transit Commission has praised TTC Chair Karen Stintz for showcasing the skill and dedication of the system's workers in last night's television episode of "Undercover Boss Canada."

"I have been getting nothing but fantastic feedback from our members from the minute the show finished last night," says Bob Kinnear, President of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113.

"After years of endless negative media attention on a handful of individuals and incidents, they are very appreciative of the positive portrayal of how the vast majority of TTC workers handle the daily challenges of their jobs."

The episode featured Ms. Stintz in disguise as a new TTC worker being trained in various jobs by people who regularly perform them - Subway Operator, Seat Refurbisher, Station Janitor and Bus Cleaner.

"It was clear that she connected on a human level with these employees and came away with a better understanding of their work than any previous TTC Chair in living memory," added Kinnear.

"Although it is inevitable, because of our respective positions, that Chair Stintz and I will continue to disagree on some matters from time to time, the dialogue will no doubt be marked with more respect and a greater willingness to cooperate in finding solutions to the problems of a badly-underfunded TTC.

"We congratulate her for her initiative and we look forward to building on this morale boost in the weeks and months to come."

Bill Reno, 416-223-7366