News Release
HRM, ATU To Begin Conciliation Talks
(Wednesday, May19/2004)-- The Halifax Regional Municipality and the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 508, have agreed on five conciliation dates: June 4 and June 14-18, inclusive.
The parties have been bargaining on a regular basis since last September. The last collective agreement expired on August 31, 2003. The sides were at an impasse when they last met on March 25.
HRM and ATU have been attempting to find conciliation dates since the Province appointed a conciliator on April 13. To date, the parties have agreed not to cancel vacation dates or other important business previously scheduled. However, HRM is now taking the position that all other commitments should be set aside to seek an agreement through conciliation.
HRM will focus its efforts in July on providing transit service for a number of major local and international events planned for later that month and in early August and hopes to avoid any possibility of a work stoppage during that busy weekend.
Planned events include Natal Day weekend activities (July 30-August 2); the Tall Ships celebrations; and Grou Tyme Acadian Festival, which is expected to attract huge crowds because the Congres Mondial Acadien (World Acadian Congress) begins that same weekend.
Mr. Christie said HRM remains optimistic that, with the assistance of a third party, the sides will reach a negotiated settlement.
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Mike Christie
Manager, HRM Employee Relations
(902) 490-6137
