Transit talks resume, union calls them “lousy”
Posted Feb 8, 2012 05:34:44 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The city and transit union got together Wednesday for the first time since the transit strike began almost a week ago, but the union described the negotiations as “lousy.”
“It’s not looking good, guys,” said ATU local president Ken Wilson. “Apparently this employer’s not serious about getting buses back on the road.”
The respective bargaining teams met together and separately from about 11am to shortly before 6pm when a break was called. The union returned and told reporters the city had put the contentious scheduling issue known as rostering back on the table.
“We told the employer, do what you gotta do, call whoever you have to call, come back without rostering, and I believe we can probably get a deal done,” said Wilson. “But as long as rostering stays on the table, guys, there’s going to be no deal.”
The Amalgamated Transit Union announced Tuesday afternoon it had a new offer ready to take to the city – and a short time later, council emerged from a closed door meeting to announce that HRM also had a new offer to discuss.
Thousands of transit users have been scrambling for transport over the last week, while commuters have faced traffic jams and parking woes resulting from more cars on the road.
ATU Local 508 President Ken Wilson says his union has the public’s support, but says it was the public who convinced him to put together a new proposal.
“We’re going to see some real leadership,” he told reporters Tuesday afternoon. “The members of ATU Local 508 have prepared a counter offer to the employer’s final. Although they told us they didn’t want one, we’re going to do it anyways.”
Talks between the two sides broke down early last Thursday, after Wilson said the city put two offers on the table that addressed the question of rostering, but no other outstanding issues.
Since then, transit workers have marched on the picket lines, while stories emerged of students dropping out of school and some residents unable to find transportation to medical appointments or food banks.
Wilson says his members were forced into a strike position by the city’s tactics and says he’s hopeful the new round of talks will end with a deal.
“The Amalgamated Transit Union has always understood the importance of public transportation on the road,” he said. “The question is, does the mayor, council and management at Metro Transit?”
Mayor Peter Kelly wouldn’t reveal what was in the city’s new offer, saying only that he’s pleased both sides are willing to talk.
“That’s positive energy on both sides, wanting to bring forth a resolve,” he said. “So with that positive energy, hopefully we can get to a point where we get the buses back on the road.”
