NEWS RELEASE
HRM Encourages ATU Local 508 To Come Back to the Bargaining Table
(Thursday, September 27, 2007) - On Wednesday afternoon, negotiations between HRM and ATU Local 508 broke down and the Union filed a strike notice with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour. They will be in a legal position to strike as of 2:25 pm on Friday, September 28, 2007. The Union has given notice to the public that on Monday morning there will be no transit service.
“HRM is striving to ensure that an agreement is reached which improves safety for drivers, passengers and the public. HRM looks forward to a counter proposal from ATU Local 508 in response to the HRM offer”, said Mayor Peter Kelly.
HRM believes that it is important to clarify its position for the public. The main issues that have led to the actions taken by ATU in filing a strike notice are the hours of rest between shifts and wages. Currently, there are occasions where bus operators can choose to work in excess of 20 hours per day. This is permitted within the current collective agreement. HRM can no longer continue with this practice as it presents a safety issue for both drivers and passengers. As a result HRM requires changes be made in the current collective agreement to limit the number of driving hours in a single day to 16 hours. ATU has indicated that they are committed to the same thing, but this does not appear to be the case. ATU wants to retain employee’s right to choose to work more than 16 hours, including in excess of 20 hours. ATU, also, wants to allow employees to continue to choose fewer than 8 hours rest between their regular shifts. HRM seeks to proactively address safety for the drivers and the public.
With respect to wages the package offered includes:
• 26% over 5 years to bring mechanics to $29.10 at the end of the agreement
• 20% over 5 years to bring operators in Access-A-Bus to $21.91 at the end of the agreement
• 19.4% over 5 years to bring conventional operators to $23.91 at the end of the agreement
• 15% over 5 years for the remainder of the employees within the bargaining unit
A protracted negotiation will delay the payment of retroactive wages which range between $1,400 and $2,900, based on the current offer. - 2 -
Furthermore Mayor Peter Kelly said, “I understand that the ATU Local 508 has a regularly scheduled meeting on Sunday evening and I encourage the executive to bring HRM’s current proposal to their membership. I am hopeful that the membership will see that the wage package is fair, and limiting the number of hours worked in a single day to 16 hours is in the best interest of the drivers, passengers, and the public.”
HRM is committed to continuing negotiations with the ATU to arrive at a settlement that is fair and equitable and has the safety of its employees and passengers as a priority.
Contact:
Lori Patterson
Metro Transit
490-478-5975
Andrea Gillis
HRM Chief Negotiator
476-8893
