Timmins Transit Staff (Sign Deal)
The two-week long transit strike in Timmins has come to an end, after workers and the city have ratified a new contract agreement.
The 39 transit workers hit the picket line on Sept. 28, after members of union CUPE Local 1544 rejected a proposal from the city, that would have seen three service employees not receive the same pay bump as bus drivers.
However, the union says over the long weekend, members voted to accept that same deal, just to end the strike.
“The city did not change anything, but because of the the consequences of a two week strike on the general population as well as like our ridership and our members as well, it was quite difficult for everyone involved,” said union secretary-treasurer Rosanna Moreau.
“We decided that we were going to accept it this time. We didn’t want the public to be inconvenienced any longer.”
The City of Timmins says the new four-year agreement will see a base rate jump of 8 per cent for mechanics, 4.5 per cent for drivers and 1 per cent for maintenance workers.
“I think that many people are disappointed that the same same contract came back. However, most of us do recognize that, you know, many people supported us over the last two weeks and we feel that, you know, we have to call it somewhere, right?” said Moreau.
“We can’t drag it on just for the sake of…essentially breaks down to $1.00 an hour for the three members. “
The city says it hopes to have all transit buses—including paratransit and the Northern College Express— back out on the road by Oct. 18.
“We made an offer that was fair and responsible,” chief administrative officer Dave Landers said in a statement.
“Our priority has always been to provide equitable compensation to our transit employees while ensuring that we can continue to deliver sustainable public transportation. Now, the City’s immediate focus is getting buses back on the road with a smooth return to service .”