Possible transit strike looms in Thunder Bay

Transportation staff among lowest-paid in Ontario: Union

Transit workers in Thunder Bay, Ont., are meeting with city staff today in an effort to avoid a strike.

On Sept. 29, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 966 – which represents about 170 city transportation staff – voted to take job action against the city if their demands for better wages and benefits are not met.

“Our members are finally fed up. They want to establish some sort of settlement with the city,” said Sheila Kivisto, president of the local ATU chapter. “The city needs to recognize the need of transit workers and what they bring to the city. What the members are fighting for is to get an increase in their wages along with benefits that are best suited to their needs.”

According to the union, Thunder Bay’s transportation employees are the lowest-paid ATU transit members in Ontario.

The City of Thunder Bay will meet with union members on Oct. 2 to discuss a possible settlement – but Kivisto said she isn’t holding her breath.

“There has been no sign of optimism with regards to establishing a settlement because this matter has fallen on deaf ears,” she contended.

As it currently stands, the public will not experience any travel disruptions.

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