News Release
(Sunday, March 11, 2012) Halifax, NS - HRM today tentatively agreed to accept a counter offer from ATU Local 508 in an effort to end the transit strike after more than five weeks. The tentative agreement comes after both sides spent most of Friday, Saturday and Sunday back at the bargaining table with the assistance of a conciliator.
If ATU's membership votes to accept the tentative agreement, the deal must return to Regional Council for ratification, which could happen through a special meeting of Council.
While terms of the bargaining teams' tentative agreement will not be released until after ATU and HRM Regional Council each have an opportunity for ratification, HRM remains committed to efficiencies that protect taxpayers and transit users from bearing excessive ongoing costs.
"I commend both bargaining teams for their determination in breaking a significant impasse and working towards a deal that is hopefully acceptable to both parties while respecting financial impacts on our taxpayers," said Mayor Peter Kelly. "Council and I have listened to many citizens and we've held firm in our position that binding arbitration is not the solution for the future."
"We are very encouraged by the news that the ATU bargaining team is unanimously recommending this deal and taking it back for a vote," said Metro Transit Director, Eddie Robar. "If ATU's membership accepts it, we hope that transit service will be back on the road in the very near future, possibly in a few days if it is ratified by Council. We know many have been suffering from the consequences of the transit strike and had high hopes for the latest round of talks."
Should ATU members and Regional Council both ratify the tentative agreement, more information will soon be provided on the return of bus and ferry services and how customers who still possess February passes will have them honoured. Interested citizens should check regular communication channels including: www.halifax.ca/metrotransit; Twitter @hfxtransit; Transit Retail Outlets; the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000 and local media outlets.
Metro Transit is the primary transportation service provider in HRM and the largest public transit system in Atlantic Canada comprised of over 300 buses and three ferries. In addition to its conventional fixed route service, with 61 routes including the premium MetroLink and MetroX services, it operates three Community Transit routes, the harbour ferry service and the door-to-door Access-A-Bus service for persons with disabilities.
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Contact:
Mayor Peter Kelly
490-4010
Lori Patterson
HRM Corporate Communications
490-6609
476-5975 (Cell)
