Winnipeg bus drivers' union wants more than 10% wage hike, city offers 8%
City's update includes details about gap between union, city
The City of Winnipeg has released details about the gulf between it and Winnipeg Transit's 1,100 bus drivers and 250 maintenance staff.
It's been almost a month since union workers stopped working voluntary overtime April 27, which includes bus operators and maintenance staff.
After maintenance workers began refusing overtime, more than 100 busses were pulled out of service due to mechanical issues, triggering wide-spread delays.
A provincially-appointed conciliation officer is handling negotiations between the city and the Amalgamated Transit Union.
- People are going to suffer' from Winnipeg Transit cancellations
- Winnipeg Transit drivers to refuse overtime starting Monday
- Pay Winnipeg Transit workers more, avoid disruptions, union says
The city says it is offering the union a four-year agreement that includes an 8 per cent wage increase for bus operators and an 8.81 per cent wage increase for mechanics.
It says the union has proposed a three-year deal, with wage increases of 10.34 per cent for operators, and 20.24 per cent for mechanics.
The city says in a news release it "believes its offer is fair and reasonable, particularly ... considering market conditions, the city's general economic climate, and other recent wage settlements in the local public sector."
Talks with the conciliator are scheduled to resume Friday.
In the meantime, the city says bus riders should expect an increase in late and cancelled busses.