Express decision: Judge expected to rule on STC injunction next week
Union says it's unsure what it will do if injunction isn't granted
The judge mulling whether to temporarily halt the impending closure of Saskatchewan Transportation Company is expected to make her decision next week.
Lawyers for Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1374, which represents more than 200 STC workers, and the Saskatchewan government made their respective arguments in the Court of Queen's Bench in Regina Thursday for why an injunction should or should not be allowed.
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Court hears arguments today for putting brakes on STC closure
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Union for STC workers taking province to court over bus service closure
The government, citing lower ridership and its wish to redirect STC operating funds to other areas like social services and education, intends to close down the 70-year-old bus service on May 31.
In court Thursday, Queen's Bench Justice Lian Schwann told attendees — including several STC employees and advocates for services for people with disabilities — that she expected to rule on the requested injunction before that closure date.
"She told us, barring anything that she needs more input on, that it will be next week some time," said Eric Carr, the president of ATU Local 1374.
Plan B
And if the injunction isn't granted?
"I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get to it," said Carr. "I haven't really thought about that. There's not too many rungs left on the ladder."
If the injunction is granted, a hearing focused on the legality of the government's decision to wind down STC will follow.