Thunder Bay prepares for specialized transit strike

With a strike deadline looming, talks between the city of Thunder Bay and specialized transit operators are expected to continue through the weekend, says city manager Tim Commisso.

Local 966 of the Amalgamated Transit Union gave formal notice of a strike deadline for Monday, Oct. 20, at 12:01 am, for Lift+ Specialized Transit operators.

“Notice to the public is being given as a precaution to allow affected residents time to put plans in place,” said Michael Smith, general manager of Community Services, whose department includes Thunder Bay Transit.

“The city is committed to working through the weekend in the hopes of reaching a settlement and to avoid a disruption of this important public service.”

Smith said the city hopes to avoid a strike.

“While a strike is not in anyone’s best interests … in the event there is a work stoppage, we won’t attempt to run buses without our operators,” he said.

“In the event of a strike, Specialized Transit service will cease until further notice, with the exception of service for renal dialysis patients. To the extent that conventional operators do not cross the picket line, regular transit services may be disrupted or unavailable.”

Specialized transit information from city:

• About Lift+: The City has operated Lift+ Specialized Transit, formerly HAGI Transit, since Jan. 1, 2014. Lift+ Specialized Transit is provided for approximately 1000 registered Thunder Bay residents who, due to a disability, are unable to use Thunder Bay Transit’s conventional bus service.
• Booked trips: If service delays or disruptions occur, registered Lift+ passengers who have booked trips will be notified. Passengers affected by trip disruptions are responsible for making alternative arrangements for their transportation.
• Essential need: contact will be made with patients with scheduled renal dialysis appointments through Lift+ and transportation arranged.
• For Lift + service information the booking line is available at 345-0777.

Conventional transit information from city:

• For service information, Transit’s 24-hour Information Line is available at 684-3744.
• The City has contacted Lakehead University and Confederation College whose students are significant users of Transit to allow them to put their plans in place.