The union representing over 10,000 transport workers in Toronto confirmed it has taken "the first step towards a strike" as discussions with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) have stalled.

The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 113 said in a statement this Monday morning that it has filed a request with the Ministry of Labor for the appointment of a third-party mediator.

The union stated in a press release today, "Our bargaining team has been working through negotiations with the TTC for weeks in an effort to secure the new contract that our members deserve, but the TTC refuses to reach an agreement with ATU Local 113 on key priorities for transport workers, including job security, wages, and benefits."

The statement went on to say that while the request is just a preliminary step towards labor action, the union is "prepared to move to direct action," including "the complete withdrawal of services."

Marvin Alfred, President of ATU Local 113, said in a written statement: "We are continuing to bargain with the employer."

"We hope that the mediator will function as a resource to support our union in obtaining a fair collective agreement."

This move comes days after another group of TTC workers announced they could walk off the job as soon as next week.

CUPE Local 2, which represents 661 electrical and trades workers at the TTC, confirmed earlier this month that it has set a strike deadline for 12:01 a.m. on April 22.

It has been 13 years since unionized TTC workers were able to take job action, as workers are now legally able to strike after a court ruling last year overturned Ontario's designation of the TTC as an essential service.