Winnipeg transit resumes contract talks, attempting to avoid a strike

WINNIPEG – Winnipeg transit employees have rejected its latest contract deal from the City of Winnipeg.

It’s not clear if that could result in strike action but the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505 and city will continue to negotiate.

READ MORE: Winnipeg Transit workers reject contract deal in close vote 

The union and the city had reached a tentative agreement on May 22, lifting an overtime ban put on drivers.

For the last week, the 1350 drivers and mechanics have been voting.

51 per cent of employees voted against the contract.

ATU president John Callahan says he was surprised by the rejected vote but said it’s clear wages were not the issue.  He says drivers don’t feel safe behind the wheel.

“What I’d like to see is undercover police officers, it’s one of the models that’s used in our locals, Staten Island New York it’s been very successful,” Callahan said.

He says last year 39 drivers were assaulted, so far this year 22 drivers have reported being abused by riders.

“July is a peak month, so is December,” Callahan said.

He says they’ve met with the city negotiators and plan to hash out another contract starting Tuesday.

He hopes it doesn’t result in a strike but said that’s a possibility if a deal can’t be reached.

Mayor Brian Bowman said he wants what’s fair for both parties and to ensure riders aren’t affected.