Guelph transit lockout: Union to meet with city this week

The union representing Guelph transit workers will meet with the city this week as a lockout of employees stretches into a second week after a tentative contract agreement was overwhelmingly rejected by union members. 

• Guelph bus service suspended after workers reject agreement
• Guelph transit lockout could last until November, says union head

In a joint news release issued on Monday, the City and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1189 representatives said they would not be speaking to the media during these negotiations.

"We believe there is a way to end this lockout and get Guelph Transit running again soon," said the City’s Chief Administrative Officer Ann Pappert in the news release. "We are hoping to see a reasonable and affordable counter-offer presented by the ATU Local 1189 executive that clearly represents the objectives of their membership."

"We want to be working and serving our community," local union head Andrew Cleary said in the release. "Any step that can help us move towards that goal is one we’re willing to consider."

Transit service has been suspended since July 21, after union members "overwhelmingly" rejected a second collective agreement that was endorsed by the union's executive.

Since the lockout began, both the City and union expressed uncertainty on how long the lockout could last. Cleary speculated it could carry on until mid-November, after a new council is elected in a municipal election on Oct. 27.