Workers on strike in Thunder Bay. Image via CBC

As the elevator strike enters its second month, seniors are becoming the unsung casualty. Those living in high-rise condos are often restricted to their homes or have to face the stairs, many with health problems. Combined with the rising heat, a lack of accessibility puts Toronto’s seniors and ill at risk in case of emergencies.

Over 800 workers have been on strike since their contracts with major elevator companies expired, with sticking points being workloads and staffing levels. In the meantime, the four big elevator companies–Otis, ThyssenKrupp, Schindler and KONE–are bringing in replacement workers and managers to handle the rapidly growing backlog of maintenance queries. A mediator has also been brought in to facilitate a swift resolution to the strike. 

Here’s hoping we can keep the arteries of our condo-fied city working. 

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Vidal Wu is an intern at Toronto Standard. You can follow him on Twitter at @vidalwuu.

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