Winnipeg Transit union supporters hand out donuts, gift cards to bus drivers

WINNIPEG — The city was back at the negotiating table on Friday with its bus drivers and mechanics, hoping to reach a contract deal before their dispute gets any worse.

READ MORE: Another day of disruptions for Winnipeg Transit users

Union members at Winnipeg Transit have been refusing to do overtime, which means delays for transit riders. But on Friday afternoon transit riders who support the workers came out to show their support. They handed out Tim Hortons gift cards and home made donuts to the drivers. The group received donations after putting a call out on social media.

“We just put a call out on Facebook some of our friends donated, random strangers we’ve never met, and yeah we amassed this amount,” Robert Mcgregor said.

Some transit riders told Global News they have witnessed bus drivers having to deal with angry passengers since they’ve stopped working overtime during negotiations.

The small group rallied at some of the bigger bus stops downtown on Friday afternoon hoping to boost support for the drivers and mechanics. The gathering included pro union signs and songs but the group claims its not connected to the transit union.

WATCH: Winnipeg Transit supporters give out gift cards and donuts to drivers

“I don’t even have any family of friends that work there, but I am a transit user,” Jacquie Nicholson said. “I see the job that they do, it must be a difficult job. I know that I couldn’t do it. I think it’s important that people are paid fairly for their work,” said Nicholson.

The city issued a statement Friday saying they are in continued discussions with ATU and a provincially-appointed conciliation officer. If no agreement is reached, there is another round of talks set for one day next week.