Calgary Transit Strike May Be Averted
May 30th, 2007 posted by CanprideThere is hope on the horizon. The possibility of a transit strike may be averted.
The city and the transit union have potentially reached a deal. The two have hashed out a deal this Wednesday, May 30, after two and a half days of talks.
It wouldn’t be voted on until Friday afternoon. The strike was voted on and scheduled to start on Friday. Union officials will unveil the new proposal to the 2,400 workers, mechanics and office staff Thursday.
Mike Mahar, president of the union, isn’t letting any of the details out of the bag until the workers have seen the proposal.
If this deal is approved, it will be the first time the union has had a contract since June last year.
The big contention between the two sides has been between pay increases and more importantly to union members, to the new shuttle buses that the city has ordered. It is believed that the city would replace some of the bus runs with shuttle buses. There’s about a $10 pay difference between the two positions.
This comes as a big relief for city employees and employers alike. Provided the plan is approved on Friday, this would alleviate the potential issues with school bus drivers being included in the union.
