Metro Transit strike possible for holidays

ALEX BOUTILIER

METRO HALIFAX

Published: October 28, 2011 12:04 a.m.

The union representing Metro Transit operators, ferry staff and maintenance workers says the Halifax Regional Municipality is “setting up” a potential strike.

The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 508, which represents 763 Metro Transit workers, said the municipality applied for conciliation with the Department of Labour after dealing with the union only once.

“We had one day of bargaining on Sept. 16. The employer and the union met, we exchanged packages and we booked four more dates,” said Kenny Wilson, head of the ATU.

“Then the employer sent me a letter when I was on vacation putting me to conciliation.”

HRM spokeswoman Shaune MacKinlay confirmed the municipality is seeking conciliation but said negotiations will continue until they hear back from the province.

Wilson said conciliation opens up the door for a potential lockout or strike, just in time for the holiday season.