AFTER PRESSURE FROM THE ATU, METROLINX AGREES TO NEGOTIATE A DAY EARLY, THURSDAY 2 PM

Union Hopes to Reach Deal to End Strike

Media Contact: David Roscow, 202-487-4990

TORONTO, ON – After ATU International and ATU Canada held a press conference at Queens Park to pressure Metrolinx to meet for negotiations immediately in hopes of ending the GO Transit strike, Metrolinx has agreed to meet tomorrow with ATU Local 1587-Toronto, ON, to restart contract talks a day early, Thursday at 2 pm.

At the press conference this morning, ATU International President John Costa, ATU Canada President John Di Nino, and International Vice Presidents Manny Sforza and Ken Wilson demanded Metrolinx come back to the table immediately rather than wait until Friday for the sake of riders and workers.

“Since contract talks broke down on Sunday, we have been willing to meet with Metrolinx anytime and place to get a deal to end this strike so our riders who depend on GO Transit buses can get to work, school, and other important destinations,” said ATU Local 1587 President Rob Cormier. “We are glad they have agreed to meet a day earlier and hope we can come to an agreement that addresses our concerns and other issues to ensure a safe and reliable public transit system for our riders.”

Metrolinx had asked the Union to meet to negotiate on Friday after the GO Transit workers went on strike Monday. From the start of the strike, the Union has maintained they are willing to meet immediately to negotiate.

Metrolinx continues to refuse to address safety concerns by ensuring that experienced and highly trained workers remain on the job and continues to refuse to budge on language that would protect GO Transit jobs from being contracted out. The Union maintains the privatization of public transit is the wrong course of action and emphasized that safety and job security are its top priorities since bargaining began in April.

“Our members have been strong and united on the picket lines with overwhelming support from our riders, elected officials, and allies from the labour movement,” said ATU International President Costa, who has visited the picket lines the last two days. “Privatization is a misguided approach to public transit, where profits take priority over safety and service. We are glad Metrolinx has agreed to come back to the table a day early. Now it’s time the company gives these frontline heroes a fair and just contract that addresses our key issues and ensures that our experienced members are on the job to ensure the safety of the buses.”