City of Winnipeg contract talks with 2 unions face obstacles

Contract negotiations between the City of Winnipeg and its largest union have broken off, while the union representing transit bus drivers and maintenance workers has rejected the city's offer.

The City of Winnipeg issued a news release late Friday saying members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505 have rejected its offer of settlement.

According to a notice posted on the union's website, 91.5 per cent of members voted against accepting the city's proposal.

"Transit officials emphasize that there is presently no indication from the union that job action is imminent," the city's news release states in part.

The union's vote results note that "a 'no' vote authorizes strike sanctions."

The city says further negotiations have been scheduled and officials "will continue to work with ATU to deal with outstanding issues and achieve a settlement as soon as possible."

Winnipeg Transit employs about 1,100 bus operators and 250 maintenance staff, according to the city.

CUPE, city going into conciliation

Also on Friday evening, CUPE Local 500, which represents City of Winnipeg employees, informed its members that negotiations toward a new collective agreement have broken off.

Both sides are now asking a conciliation officer to help with talks.

"We are turning to a neutral third party to help resolve the differences that are preventing us from reaching a fair agreement for our members," CUPE Local 500 president Mike Davidson stated in the union's bargaining update.

"While we're hopeful we can resolve our differences, we will be seeking a strike mandate from our members should job action be deemed necessary."

A union spokesperson told CBC News it cannot comment further on the matter, as the two sides will be going into a conciliation process.