Negotiations between city and transit union break down, again

SASKATOON – Labour talks between the city and the transit union have, yet again, come to a grinding halt.

Thousands of people in Saskatoon continue to be affected by the lockout, yet Amalgamated Transit Union Local 615 (ATU 615) has said there’s no end in sight.

FULL COVERAGE: Saskatoon Transit lockout

The union issued a media release Thursday that said the city has deliberately misled transit workers on their retirement security.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

This comes after City Manager Murray Totland sent members a letter last week assuring them their pension is safe.

Union President Jim Yakubowski said under the city’s contract proposal, the city would no longer be held legally liable for any shortfalls in members’ pensions.

The provincial labour relations board ruled last week that all further changes to the pension plan must be halted until its ruling on their legality on Oct. 14.

The city said the transit union continues to change its position on the pension issue, and that the union was overheard saying unless it’s discussed, there’s nothing to talk about.

City council has arranged a special meeting Friday to discuss refunds for people who’ve paid for transit passes, including the U-Pass program for students.