N環球 
Toronto TTC cleaning contractor embroiled in wage scandal: union says Dexterra's Seattle arm cheated workers of millions
In an Oct 1 release, SEIU Local 2 cited a Lynnwood Times investigation finding Dexterra Services LLC cheated dozens of workers out of millions in unpaid wages on Seattle light-rail cleaning — $20/hr vs the $29.33 prevailing rate, 8–10 hour days, 7 days a week. The union says the same Dexterra holds TTC and Crosslinx cleaning contracts in Toronto and raised concerns with Toronto transit authorities over two months ago without action.
Why it matters
Janitors' union SEIU Local 2 said in an Oct 1 release that Dexterra Group — which holds cleaning contracts with the TTC and Crosslinx in Toronto — is embroiled in a wage-theft scandal through its U.S. arm. A Lynnwood Times investigation found that Dexterra Services LLC cheated dozens of workers out of millions in unpaid wages on janitorial work for Seattle's Sound Transit Link light rail: cleaners worked 8–10 hours a day, seven days a week including holidays, for $20 an hour versus the $29.33 prevailing wage for public light-rail janitorial work.
Full report
The union says Dexterra Group has been contracted by the TTC and Crosslinx for in-service streetcar cleaning, LRT stations, the Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility, and the operations building at 70 Industry Street in Toronto — subcontracting much of it to smaller firms including PrimePro Staffing. It also alleges Dexterra misled the union and Ontario's Ministry of Labour in 2025 by claiming it had no Toronto cleaning accounts covered by the collective agreement, thereby avoiding new-agreement negotiations.
SEIU Local 2 secretary-treasurer Tom Galivan said: "There are worrisome parallels between the situation in Seattle and what's been transpiring in Toronto's public transit system." The union says it raised concerns about Dexterra's ongoing violations with Toronto transit authorities over two months ago, with no action taken. Note: the Toronto allegations currently rest mainly on the union's claims; the union is urging the TTC Board to audit the contractor's payroll records and ensure compliance.
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