Confusion over breaks. No personal washroom keys. A temp worker at TTC alleges unfair conditions

A TTC worker who was hired through a staffing agency says temporary employees aren't being treated fairly compared to those brought on directly by the transit agency, and that its reliance on third-party companies for some staffing has created an environment ripe for abuse.

CBC Toronto is protecting the worker's identity as they fear they could lose their job for speaking out about their alleged working conditions.

"We provide such a crucial service to the TTC and yet we're being treated less than any other position," said the TTC customer service representative, who works in various subway stations to help riders navigate the system.

The worker said they decided to speak about their concerns after they received an email on June 30 from TalentWorld, the staffing and recruitment agency who hired them and placed them at the TTC, updating employees on break rules.

The email, viewed by CBC Toronto, says a 15-minute paid break will be given to those who work anywhere from five hours to seven hours and 59 minutes. Under Ontario's Employment Standards Act, all workers, regardless of status, are entitled to one 30-minute unpaid break for a shift of that length — not 15 minutes. 

TalentWorld notes in the email that the break structure "comes directly from the TTC."

The worker said for the last month, they and their co-workers have been operating under the impression they are only entitled to a 15-minute break for five to eight hours of work.

The employee also alleges that temp workers do not have their own keys to TTC staff bathrooms and must use public washrooms if full-time TTC staff are not around to unlock the door for them. 

"Those bathrooms are for TTC staff and the public cannot access them, they said. "If we're at downtown stations, we're told to use the Eaton Centre."

Sometimes, they also have to pay to enter a subway station if an attendant isn't present because temporary staff aren't given an all-access Presto card to enter their workplaces like full-time staff are, the worker said.

"We willingly stand for upwards of 12 hours at times and we want to provide such a great service to the residents of Toronto who have to deal with disruptions to the commutes," they said. "And we just feel undervalued."

In emailed statements to CBC News, a spokesperson for the TTC said the email from TalentWorld regarding a 15-minute break "does not accurately reflect the contract requirements between the TTC and TalentWorld." 

Stuart Green, senior communication specialist for the TTC, said the transit agency does provide a 30-minute break for those who work five to eight hours. 

"The information you have is not reflective of TTC contractual requirements. We are confident that the contractors are in fact meeting their obligations," said Green. "However, in view of your email, we are reminding them of this in the event there is miscommunication circulating."