SASKATOON – The union representing Saskatoon’s transit drivers is filing an unfair labour practice application as part of a contract dispute with city hall.
Amalgamated Transit Union 615 (ATU) said they are filing the application in response to the city’s refusal to bargain in ‘good faith.’
The city is offering the union a wage increase of ten per cent over four years; however, a major sticking point is the driver’s pension plan.
The city wants to make changes to the plan to address an existing deficit and said the plan is not sustainable.
“By allowing the city to cap their contribution rates, it no longer guarantees that when it comes time for us to retire that those benefits that are promised today will be there in the future,” said Jim Yakubowski, ATU Local 615 president.
The two sides have been negotiating a contract since the end of 2012.
Union members voted on the city’s last offer on Aug. 15 but the ballots remain sealed as a result of legal challenges.
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