Metrolinx says there will be no GO bus service on Monday if thousands of transit workers go on strike.
“Our members have made it utterly clear. We will not accept a deal unless it addresses our primary concern, which is contracting out,” ATU Local 1587 president Rob Cormier said in a statement.
“These basic protections against contracting out are the norm at every other transit agency in our region to ensure that experienced, workers are on the job to ensure the safety of the buses. Without these protections, Metrolinx can contract to outside companies.”
Speaking to CP24 Friday afternoon, Cormier said he is still optimistic that the strike could be averted. He noted the union has booked a hotel, hoping to get a new contract with Metrolinx this weekend.
“We plan to work all weekend. We want to get a deal for our members. Our last resort is to go on strike,” Cormier said.
They have been without a contract since June. While the transit agency and the union had met months before the agreement expired, they failed to produce a new deal, leading to union members voting in favour of a strike mandate in August.
