GO Transit bus drivers and ticket vendors are once again in a position to walk off the job and onto the picket line after rejecting a tentative agreement that had averted a possible strike earlier this month.

The tentative agreement, reached Dec. 6, dealt with all outstanding union concerns except for the issue of job evaluations. It was rejected in a vote by union members.

Talks broke off again Wednesday after Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1587 representatives were informed by management that there was no new deal on the table.

In a prepared statement, union local president Denis Tanham said job action is coming, leaving only the timing of a looming strike in question.

The union local represents 1,170 GO Transit bus drivers, station attendants, transit enforcement officers, maintenance personnel, office workers and technical staff.

Train operators are not affected by the labour dispute, though potential picket lines may disrupt rail service.

The two most contentious issues in negotiations are wages and job security.

Vaughan Today
Online: December 20, 2007 [link]