Media Log #1

York Region Transit faces midnight strike deadline

Unionized workers at one of four companies under contract with York Region Transit could go on strike just after midnight on Sunday. (York Region Transit)

A labour dispute could halt transit service for commuters in parts of York Region on Monday.

The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 113 will be in a legal strike position against Veolia Transportation Services at 12:01 a.m. ET on Monday. Veolia is one of four private contractors that provide transit operations for York Region Transit (YRT).

Veolia has the contract for a section of York Region that includes 24 YRT routes operating primarily in Vaughan and some in Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Aurora and Markham and the township of King.

The two sides were in negotiations on Sunday.

ATU Local president Bob Kinnear told CBC News Sunday that he is "cautiously optimistic" a tentative agreement can be reached before the midnight deadline.

“Our objective is to get an agreement here and we’re working very hard to do so," said Kinnear.

He said the main issues in the negotiations involve sick days and wages.

About 214 unionized Veolia operators and mechanics and 131 YRT vehicles provide service to nearly 28,000 daily weekday riders in YRT's southwest division.

In a news release issued Friday, York Region said it is hopeful the two sides will reach an agreement prior to the deadline, but advises residents to visit www.yrt.ca or call the customer service centre at 1-866-668-3978 for updates.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2011/02/13/york-transit-labour-strike.html

Last Updated: Sunday, February 13, 2011 | 3:44 PM ET




Log

York Region Transit (YRT) may go on strike on Monday. YRT will be in a strike position at 12:01 A.M against Veolia Transportation which is the big four private contractors that provides operations for YRT. The main issues in this strike are sick days and wages. ATU Local president, Bob Kinnear said on CBC News Sunday that he is "cautiously optimistic" agreement can be reached before the midnight deadline. Bob Kinnear said, “Our objective is to get an agreement here and we’re working very hard to do so." On York Region Transit side said that hopefully two sides will reach the agreement, but check YRT website or call the customer service centre to make sure on monday.