Go Bus service across Ontario was suspended Nov. 7 after the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 1587 initiated a strike. ATU Local 1587 represents 2,200 station attendants, bus operators, maintenance workers, transit safety officers and office professionals at Metrolinx.
A strike was initially slated to begin on Oct. 31, with the union postponing picketing to consider and vote on a late offer from Metrolinx that 81 percent of members voted against.
Metrolinx posted a service update and noted its disappointment in the action.
The strike does not impact Go Trains or UP Express service.
ATU International President John Costa says the union uses a strike “only as a last resort,” recognizing the action does impact transit dependent riders.
“But Metrolinx has left us with no other option,” Costa said.
The main sticking point in negotiations is the use of contractors with ATU Local 1587, explaining Metrolinx refuses “to budge on language that would protect GO Transit jobs from being contracted out.”
“Protections against contracting out are imperative to ensure that experienced workers are on the job running GO Transit safely and efficiently,” said Local 1587 President Rob Cormier. “Without these protections, Metrolinx can contract to outside companies, which will hire inexperienced workers in precarious, non-union positions.
In a separate statement, he added the union is “committed to meeting with Metrolinx to reach a deal.”
