Acadian Coach Lines turns down second union request for binding arbitration

FREDERICTON – A Maritimes bus company has rejected a second request by its locked-out workers to go to binding arbitration.

Acadian Coach Lines suspended operations in Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick on Dec. 2 when it locked out workers who were poised to go on strike.

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Company spokesman Marc-Andre Varin says it isn’t interested in binding arbitration because it wants the union to negotiate changes to work assignments for drivers.

Varin says the company must find a way to reduce its costs.

Local 1229 of the Amalgamated Transit Union says its negotiators are willing to return to bargaining with a mediator’s involvement.

But Varin says the company won’t return to the table until it hears the union provide a fresh proposal on the work assignment issue.