Negotiations are underway today to avoid a public transit strike in southwestern York Region.
Workers belonging to CUPE Local 113 could walk off the job at 12:01 a.m. Monday if a new contract agreement is not reached with Veolia Transportations Services.
The main issues on the table surround pay wages, working conditions and sick days.
All public transit vehicles that belong to York Region Transit are operated by the private sector and the TTC. Veolia is one of four private contractors that provide the service to YRT.
In particular, Veolia runs 24 YRT routes that run through Vaughan and parts of Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Aurora, Markham and the Township of King.
A strike would take 131 YRT busses off the road, affecting 214 bus drivers and mechanics. Viva busses are not affected by the strike and will continue to run on schedule.
About 28,000 commuters would be affected. YRT typically serves 19 million users.
Commuters are being advised to check the strike information page on the YRT//Viva website or call the Customer Service Centre at 1-866-MOVE-YRT (1-866-668-3978) for the latest information.
In the event of a strike, YRT officials will be at designated transit routes throughout the region to help commuters find an alternate route to their destination.
Some alternatives include:
- Car pooling
- Using north, south TTC routes that operate in York Region
- Go Transit
- Brampton Transit's Zum
