More than 200 York Region Transit workers are going on strike Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. after contract talks broke down Friday.
The strike will affect 24 bus routes that primarily operate in Vaughan, but also provide service to Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Aurora, Markham and King Township.
People who used the affected routes are being urged to make alternate travel arrangements.
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 officials notified YRT and Veolia Transportation on Friday that 214 bus drivers and mechanics in the region's southwest district will invoke their right to strike.
This occurred after the union and Veolia, the workers' employer, returned to the bargaining table earlier Friday, but failed to reach an agreement on a new contract.
Employees rejected a tentative settlement that was reached during last-minute talks last Sunday. They have been in a strike position since January, but negotiations have continued.
Wages and benefits are the main sticking points.
Meanwhile, YRT says all Viva rapid transit routes will continue to operate. So will YRT service that is operated by other contractors, including routes within Vaughan.
YRT says inspectors and customer information representative will be at busy transit locations throughout the region to help customers and provide guidance around the affected routes.
For information about alternate routes, go to www.yrt.ca or call 1-866-668-3978.
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.
