Bus drivers at one of two unions striking in York Region have refused to vote on the latest proposal.
All 220 members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 met Friday in Vaughan to consider Veolia Transportation’s latest offer, but unanimously proposed “not to even vote on this piece of crap,” the union said in a release.
The company offered a 10.8 per cent wage increase over fours years.
Local 113 president Bob Kinnear said the most contentious issue was the cost of the health-care benefits package, which is currently split 50-50 between employees and the company.
The union wanted a three-year deal with the company picking up 100 per cent by the third year. Veolia offered to increase their portion to 75 per cent by the fourth year.
The company said in a release that it was disappointed with the members' decision and urged the union to ask that a vote be held.
The strike—now in its ninth week—has caused delays for commuters as picketers have been blocking York Region Transit (YRT) buses still in service, as well as buses from other agencies, including the TTC and GO Transit. Some delays have lasted up to an hour and a half.
On Thursday, York Region won an injunction against the transit unions in court Thursday, which decreed that striking workers on the picket line can only hold up vehicles for three minutes.
Talks resumed Wednesday between ATU Local 1587 and Miller Transit and First Canada, but negotiations didn’t produce a deal.
The strike, which began Oct. 24, affects 60 per cent of YRT service and has inconvenienced about 44,000 people.
All 220 members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 met Friday in Vaughan to consider Veolia Transportation’s latest offer, but unanimously proposed “not to even vote on this piece of crap,” the union said in a release.
The company offered a 10.8 per cent wage increase over fours years.
Local 113 president Bob Kinnear said the most contentious issue was the cost of the health-care benefits package, which is currently split 50-50 between employees and the company.
The union wanted a three-year deal with the company picking up 100 per cent by the third year. Veolia offered to increase their portion to 75 per cent by the fourth year.
The company said in a release that it was disappointed with the members' decision and urged the union to ask that a vote be held.
The strike—now in its ninth week—has caused delays for commuters as picketers have been blocking York Region Transit (YRT) buses still in service, as well as buses from other agencies, including the TTC and GO Transit. Some delays have lasted up to an hour and a half.
On Thursday, York Region won an injunction against the transit unions in court Thursday, which decreed that striking workers on the picket line can only hold up vehicles for three minutes.
Talks resumed Wednesday between ATU Local 1587 and Miller Transit and First Canada, but negotiations didn’t produce a deal.
The strike, which began Oct. 24, affects 60 per cent of YRT service and has inconvenienced about 44,000 people.
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