Regional News
October 10, 2008 04:53 PM
Teresa Latchford, Staff Writer
York Region Viva riders can catch the bus just in time for the long weekend.
The strike by 170 Viva bus drivers in York Region, which began Sept. 25, ended today after a vote to accept the offer the employer laid on the table that had been previously rejected.
Veolia Transportation accelerated negotiations by making it clear wage retroactivity would be withdrawn and wage decreases would be a possibility if the final offer was not accepted by the end of day today.
“Many members had requested a vote even before the company’s unusual threat,” said Bob Kinnear, president of amalgamated transit union local 113. “As well, the Ministry of Labour representative had advised us that in view of the company’s action, a re-vote was warranted.”
Although a settlement has been reached, Mr. Kinnear said there is not peace among employees as they still feel the company lacks respect for the public servants.
“This scenario is typical of what happens when you let the private sector take over public services. They do everything possible to make the workers’ jobs miserable and create animosity,” he added.
The workers have a strong sense of community and responsibility to their passengers but felt they had to stand up to the company’s disrespect and lack of appreciation for the Viva bus drivers.
Regular scheduled service will resume Oct. 11.