Public transit may come to a screeching halt in Vaughan next week with bus drivers threatening to go on strike as early as Monday.
Commuters are being warned to prepare for a strike as the bus drivers' union and their employer prepare for last-minute contract talks Sunday morning.
The main sticking points are pay and sick benefits.
If a deal isn't reached, 214 unionized bus drivers and mechanics are eligible to hit the picket line starting Monday at 12:01 a.m., meaning transit service in southeastern York Region would be interrupted.
Employees have been in a strike position since January, but negotiations between Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 and Veolia Transportation Services Canada have continued.
A strike would affect 24 transit routes in York Region Transit's southwest division. The routes are primarily in Vaughan, but some extend into Markham, Richmond Hill, Aurora and King Township.
About 28,000 people use these routes every weekday. Riders are being urged to make alternative arrangements if talks fail.
If a strike occurs, YRT/Viva inspectors and customer service representatives will be on hand at busy locations to help customers find their way around the affected routes.
YRT/Viva contracts the operation of its public transit services to the private sector and the TTC. Veolia is one of four private contractors to provide bus and rapid transit operations and maintenance contracts.
For a full list of the transit routes that would be affected, click here.
