Ontario labor union advocates for thorough, truthful examination of Ottawa's public transportation system.
The Amalgamated Transpo Union (ATU) Local 279, which represents bus drivers in Ottawa, has called for a thorough examination of the city's transit system, expressing concerns that it is deteriorating and causing hardship for both commuters and drivers.
The union's plea comes as contract negotiations between the union and OC Transpo are underway. The call for a review follows their criticism of the "New Ways to Bus" transit system overhaul implemented in April 2020.
Some commuters have complained that the new system has resulted in longer travel times to work or school, a concern echoed by the union. The union believes the latest release of schedules exacerbates the already chaotic state of the transit system.
Union president Noah Vineberg emphasized the need for a comprehensive review, urging city authorities to listen to both riders and workers. Vineberg also highlighted the years of promises for improved transit services that they believe have not been realized.
ATU Local 279 presented a petition addressing higher wages, better working conditions, and improved work-life balance during Wednesday's Council meeting. The union hopes this action will bring crucial transit issues to the attention of local decision-makers.
The union's current contract expired in March 2025. Although past negotiations have centered on safety and privacy issues following a bus crash inquest, the focus of the latest round of negotiations remains on traditional contract topics.
The "New Ways to Bus" redesign continues to be adjusted by OC Transpo, and while the union has previously raised concerns about its potential impact on job security and working conditions, these issues do not appear to be the main focus of the current negotiations. Nevertheless, the union remains vigilant, actively monitoring the operation and advocating for their members.
The union's ongoing engagement and communications indicate a strong focus on maintaining job security, fair working conditions, and resisting changes that could negatively affect their members. Despite the current negotiation focus, broader concerns about job security and working conditions persist in union communications.
- Amid ongoing contract negotiations with OC Transpo, ATU Local 279 has demanded a thorough review of the city's 'transportation' system, citing concerns over its deteriorating state and the resulting hardships for commuters and drivers.
- The union's call for a review extends beyond just 'public-transit' issues; they have criticized the "New Ways to Bus" transit system overhaul implemented in April 2020, particularly its impact on 'fitness-and-exercise' and 'health-and-wellness', as some commuters have reported longer travel times.
- In line with the union's focus on job security and fair working conditions, they have presented a petition, addressing higher wages, better working conditions, and improved work-life balance, during a Council meeting.
- While the current round of contract negotiations primarily focus on traditional topics, such as safety and privacy, the union's ongoing communications hint at persistent concerns in the 'industry' regarding potential changes that could negatively affect their members, including those in 'science-and-technology' sectors like the transportation industry.
