In an effort to avoid a strike on Monday, La Societe de Transport de L’Outaouis (STO) has proposed to resolve contract negotiations with the union through arbitration, which would bring in a “neutral third party” to put an end to the labour dispute. Read MoreAmalgamated Transit Union Local 1557 members plan to strike on Monday after contract negotiations with the transit authority reached an impasse.
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1557 members plan to strike on Monday after contract negotiations with the transit authority reached an impasse.
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In an effort to avoid a strike on Monday, La Societe de Transport de L’Outaouis (STO) has proposed to resolve contract negotiations with the union through arbitration, which would bring in a “neutral third party” to put an end to the labour dispute.
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The arbitration proposal comes as Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1557 members are gearing up to strike on Monday after contract negotiations with the transit authority reached an impasse.
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Wages and job security are the biggest sticking points for the union, with members saying they are being paid less than what operators and mechanics at OC Transpo and the Société de transport de Montréal are making.
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The Evening Citizen
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The union has until 4 p.m. to respond to the arbitration proposal, the STO said. If the union refuses arbitration and goes on strike, there will be no transit service until further notice.
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That means hundreds of public service workers living in Gatineau may not be able to get to work in Ottawa starting Monday.
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“In the absence of these managers who ensure daily a safe network for both our employees and our customers, no bus service would be provided on Monday. Only paratransit and on-demand transport services would be maintained,” the STO said in an update on its website on Sunday afternoon.
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“We recommend you make alternative transportation arrangements for Monday, Oct. 20, such as carpooling or active transportation. Whenever possible, teleworking is also suggested.”
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But ATU Local 1557 president Olivier Lachance said this isn’t something the union can decide with a moment’s notice.
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The STO has not been coming to the bargaining table at all, even after the union put out an offer for higher wages and better job security, he said.
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“We need to time to fully analyze the arbitration proposal and I think it’s irresponsible for the STO to come up with that just a few hours before we go on strike,” Lachance told Postmedia in an interview.
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“It’s not a decision that we can make in a day or two.”
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Lachance said the members just want to have wages and job security clauses in the new contract that are in line with the rest of the industry.
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He also disagreed with idea that the STO cannot provide bus service at all if the union goes on strike.
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“It’s the STO management’s responsibility. They didn’t even try to negotiate with us at all. They didn’t prepare a plan B to have at least reduced service. We don’t agree with them when they say they cannot provide any services,” Lachance said.
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“We’re going to think about the arbitration proposal, but there’s a lot to consider before you go there.”
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Postmedia reached out to the STO with a request for comment. The transit authority said on its website that there will be an update regarding the contract negotiations later Sunday afternoon.
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