Companies planning for possible TTC strike

Remote work and carpooling among suggested solutions

- JOSH RUBIN

Toronto Region Board of Trade spokesperson Jeff Lang-Weir says downtown congestion costs the region $11 billion a year in lost economic activity which would be made worse with a TTC strike.

The crowds downtown will be thinning out if the TTC goes on strike.

With thousands of transit workers in a legal strike position as of Friday at 12:01 a.m., businesses are coming up with contingency plans — including more remote work, carpooling and where possible, walking.

At CIBC, office workers are already on a hybrid schedule, with some work-from-home days and some in the office, said spokesperson Tom Wallis.

“Our hybrid model allows many of our team members to benefit from the flexibility and productivity that can be achieved from working remotely while blending that with the benefits of in-person work with colleagues,” said Wallis in an emailed statement.

Still, for some employees, working from home isn’t possible or appropriate, Wallis added, and the bank is keeping a keen eye on negotiations between the Amalgamated Transit Union and the TTC.

“We are monitoring closely and have contingencies in place to ensure we serve our clients,” Wallis added.