In the wake of the union’s resounding “No” vote on the city’s latest contract offer, both sides of the transit strike will meet with a federal mediator today.
City spokesperson Mike Fitzpatrick said the city is meeting this morning and the union is expected to meet later today.
The city is interested in discussing any new proposals from the union prior to Wednesday’s city council meeting, but city manager Kent Kirkpatrick wrote “these proposals must be within the overall economic mandate that council had approved in support of the city’s last offer.”
After the city’s latest contract offer was rejected by 75 per cent of the 2,045 union members who voted, the city announced measures to mitigate the impact of the strike on residents.
Beginning this week, residents can receive a partial reimbursement for their December bus pass at city client service centres. A fund has been set up for people who have lost or are at risk of losing their job, due to the strike. Residents can apply for two weeks of emergency funding for mobility needs by calling 3-1-1.
The city is also working with the taxi industry, issuing taxi credits and special temporary licences.
The Transitway is being opened to organized shuttles. To apply for a Transitway permit, call 613-842-3600.
