Transit Windsor union units Feb. 5 bus strike deadline Specific Occasions

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Expressing “anger and frustration” after months of contract talks that led to impasse over the difficulty of sick days, the union representing Transit Windsor drivers introduced Monday it’ll go on strike at the beginning of subsequent week.

Amalgamated Transit Union mentioned Transit Windsor staff will go on strike beginning at 12:01 a.m on Monday, Feb. 5.

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“The shortage of curiosity in figuring out a good deal for transit staff — and protecting the town transferring — was clearly demonstrated by Transit Windsor,” mentioned ATU worldwide vice-president Manny Sforza.

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The principle sticking level in negotiations has been sick days. The union has maintained that workers ought to be entitled to 10 sick days per yr as a result of the tunnel bus service places Transit Windsor throughout the scope of federal regulation. Though the drivers will not be federal workers they’re topic to federal labour legal guidelines as a result of they supply a service that crosses a global border.

The union has been in a authorized place to strike since December. It issued a 72-hour strike discover on Jan. 11, however rescinded it on the final minute.

ATU negotiators mentioned Monday they as soon as once more served discover to Transit Windsor, and are giving the using public every week’s discover.

The union mentioned the town has “made a number of inventive makes an attempt to erode the rights of those transit staff who’re entitled to federally mandated 10 paid sick days — they usually need to offset lately by decreasing wages.”

“Now we have all the time stored one of the best curiosity of Windsorites in thoughts which is why we held off on strike motion, however Transit Windsor leaves us no selection,” mentioned ATU 616 president Dragan Markovic.

“I thank our members for his or her conviction and solidarity to struggle for his or her rights and a good contract. And I thank the using public for his or her understanding and help.”

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A spokesman for the employer couldn’t be instantly reached for remark Monday.

ATU Worldwide president John Costa mentioned he was offended and annoyed over the Metropolis of Windsor’s “failure to acknowledge our transit professionals in collective bargaining.”

“Our members at Transit Windsor have been front-line heroes, however administration’s continued lack of respect for them and our riders is appalling, shameful and demeaning,” mentioned Costa.

“Our members don’t need to stroll off the job, however we’ll do what is important to get a good contract and a greater transit system for our riders, and our greater than 200,000 members throughout North America are behind them of their struggle.”

twilhelm@postmedia.com

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