Union representing Transit Windsor workers issues 2nd strike deadline

Windsor transit staff will be on strike as of 12:01 a.m. Feb. 5 if a deal isn't reached for nearly 300 workers by that time, the union said Monday

In a news release, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), set the strike deadline. 

The union says 10 federally mandated paid sick days continue to be the main sticking point.

"We're at the point where we've advised the federal mediator that if we do go back to the table that they bring somebody higher up in in their department," said Manny Sforza, ATV's vice-president. 

"We are extremely, extremely frustrated the way things are going. We've made significant movements, the union did, this past weekend and we're not seeing the response we would expect from the employer."

Sforza said at two membership meetings held over the weekend, members were "outraged" at bargaining suggestions by their employer. 

"They're tired of being disrespected," Sforza said. "Nobody wants to strike, but they're ready to strike.

"Our transit professionals take great pride in in moving the citizens of Windsor. The last thing we want to do is go on strike and we will work right to the end to try to get a deal."

In a statement Monday afternoon, the City of Windsor said its advising riders to prepare for a possible transit strike on Monday. 

"We remain optimistic that talks planned for this Wednesday can keep the buses running, but we need to ensure riders know that the union has told us they will strike on February 5 if a deal isn't reached," said Mark Winterton, the acting commissioner of infrastructure services.

The city says all services will be suspended in the event of a strike, including bus service to Amherstburg, LaSalle and Leamington, the tunnel and special events buses, and school extra services. 

Winterton said "every negotiation is a challenge," and there are issues to work through at the table. 

"We're looking to cut a deal here that will be in the best interest of the taxpayers and for the riders," Winterton said. "It's a challenge and we understand it's a challenge."

The union had previously issued a 72-hour strike notice on Jan. 11, 39 days after Sforza previously told CBC News that they have been in a legal strike position. In the end, a strike was temporarily delayed and the union withdrew their strike notice just hours before the deadline.

Riders told CBC News that in the event of a strike, ridesharing and taxis — both more expensive than taking transit — would have to be used to get around Windsor.

Paid sick days benefit employer, community as well: Labour congress

Lily Chang is the secretary treasurer for the Canadian Labour Congress, a labour advocacy organization. 

She says as far as they're aware, other employers have not taken the stance that the mandated sick days come with concessions elsewhere in the contact, as the ATU is claiming. 

"This is the first example that's come to our attention and so we are very interested in making sure that other employers do not want to think along the same lines as it comes time for them to bargain with the employees as well," she said. 

Chang said according to available data — while much of it is still hypothetical — the paid sick days will not cost as much as many employers anticipate. 

"It isn't just a benefit for the workers, it is a benefit for their families, it's a benefit for the employer because having sick workers stay home means that other workers don't get sick from them and overall it's a benefit to our public health system," Change said. 

"I think we knew this and and and believed this during the pandemic. But what has changed since then?... No workers should have to be stuck choosing between giving up wages and staying home when they're sick."

"The advice I would give to Windsor transit is that they come to the table with a fair offer that includes the 10 paid sick days without taking anything else away from these employees."

Winterton said negotiations are expected to continue on Wednesday.