Union Threatens to Park OC Transpo Buses

Josh Pringle with Norman Jack

Saturday, December 03, 2005 1:16 AM

The City of Ottawa is on the road heading towards a transit strike Monday morning.

The Amalgamated Transit Union says there will be an OC Transpo strike on Monday if a new contract agreement is not reached.

President Bob Simpson says contract talks are not going well. Simpson tells CFRA News there are still outstanding issues regarding wages, working conditions, and benefits.

The union has told OC Transpo drivers and mechanics to report to work early Monday morning, but they should be prepared to set up picket lines. The information also tells them to contact their bank managers, purchase any needed medicine, and prepare their families for a strike.

City of Ottawa Chief Negotiator Greg Geddes admits he is “surprised” with the strike talk. Geddes says both sides are frustrated with the length of contract negotiations, but insists the city is committed to reaching a deal.

Geddes points out the main issue of contracting out maintenance jobs has been agreed to.

Ottawa Mayor Bob Chiarelli says he is “optimistic” of a solution to the dispute. Chiarelli says the city is not contemplating a strike at this time.

The City of Ottawa will not say what contingency plans are in place in case of a strike Monday morning.