The union representing GO Transit employees says it will go on strike on Sept. 19, unless it gets a raise for its members.
The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1587 claims that GO Transit has offered a wage freeze for the next two years and says that is "unacceptable."
About 95 per cent of union members have cast their votes in favour of striking.
"We will continue to negotiate but we need to see steps toward fairness," ATU Local 1587 President Ray Doyle said in a press release. "If management clings to its position of no wage increase, unless it is taken out of existing benefits, a strike most definitely will happen."
ATU 1587, which represents 1530 GO bus drivers, technicians, station attendants, and office staff, applied to the Ontario Ministry of Labour on Tuesday to start the clock ticking towards a strike on Sept. 19. If nothing changes, it will be the first time ATU employees walk off the job, but on Wednesday Metrolinx spokesperson Vanessa Thomas told CP24 her organization will do everything possible to keep that from happening.
"We understand that a labour disruption would be disruptive to the public and we are hopeful that a negotiated settlement can be reached and that a labour disruption can be avoided," she said. "We intend to stay at the bargaining table until a negotiated settlement is reached."
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1587 also represents employees operating and maintaining York Region Transit buses for Miller Transit and First Student Canada.
