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Transit workers set Nov. 16 strike date

November 5, 2009
By

A London bus strike is imminent.
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 741 has pledged to completely withdraw its service effective the start of service on Monday, Nov. 16.
On Tuesday, Oct. 27 union members rejected the London Transit Commission’s latest offer by a 94 per cent margin.
Both parties met once again Thursday, along with a government mediator. However, no agreement was reached.
According to John Gillet, vice-president of ATU Local 741, there was no movement on the last LTC proposal.
Gillet said the union was forced into calling a strike date after their withdrawal of voluntary work hours had no effect on management.
“It was one of the last things we wanted to do,” he said.
On their website, LTC has described its offer as “fair and responsible, particularly in light of the current economy.”
The LTC also points out the union did not alter its last position at mediation.
No further talks have been scheduled between the groups.
The LTC website warns customers to expect reduced service levels, more crowded buses, service delays and extended travel time as the strike date approaches.
At press time, the University Students’ Council was in talks with Western administration and LTC, investigating all possible avenues of approach.
“Right now we are working with the University to ensure that an appropriate plan is in place. The immediate concern that comes to mind — especially with winter approaching — is student safety,” Dan Moulton, USC vice-president university affairs, said.
“We want to ensure that with students staying later and studying on campus they have a safe way home,” he added.

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Jaela Bernstien

Managing editor Jaela Bernstien has been writing for the Gazette for three years. She brings experience in news and features to the job, along with a healthy dose of excitement. Here's to a great year - cheers!

2 Comments

  • Vote -1 Vote +1iz     says:

    Perhaps if everyone caved into union demands, the bus drivers would end their stops at Tim Horton’s for a coffee break in the middle of a route, or a couple extra minutes at Natural Science for a smoke break. The a-holes need a reminder about their true value to society. They’re drivers: they drive, and then stop, then open door. What the hell are they looking for?

  • Vote -1 Vote +1Sam     says:

    IZ….
    I feel sorry for you Iz, you are obviously a simple person who speaks before finishing your thought process. If driving a 20 ton machine in heavy traffic with a demanding passenger load and a tight schedule is just driving then I guess one would only need a G1. Not a B license class (expensive training to be completed prior to employment), not an air brake endorsement, not dual criminal checks(OPP & regional Police), not repetitive driver’s abstract inquiries (to MTO), not repetitive physicals, not previous bus experience (usually at minimum wage for a school bus company)
    I drive a transit bus in another city and I deserve every penny I make. I have received both a degree from a university and a diploma from a college. I volunteer in my community and am politically active. I am happy at my job and enjoy the majority of the people that I interact with, with some exceptions that comprise of a loud minority, such as yourself. A word of advice to you would be to understand all angles of a situation before rendering your opinions, such as my value to society. Or don’t,…. but know that your words define you.

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