CITY TO LOCKOUT ATU - NOTICE SERVED FRIDAY AFTERNOON

For Release: October 18, 2014

The City is surprised and disappointed with the Board’s decision and the central issue still remains – ATU and the City needs a contract.

The Board is requiring the City to re-issue a lockout notice. Therefore, in compliance with the Order, the City served notice of lockout to the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) on Friday, October 17, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. This means ATU will be locked out on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. Transit customers should be prepared to continue to make alternate transportation arrangements.

“The City will be carefully reviewing the Board’s reasons for their decision when we receive them”, says City Solicitor, Particia Warwick.

Jeff Jorgenson, General Manager of Transportation & Utilities, says achieving a contract that is fair for everyone is not without challenges and will take much work.

“The City’s objectives remain the same. We want a contract with ATU before winter, and we want pension plan changes that ensure the long-term sustainability of the plan,” says Jorgenson.

ATU and the City remain far apart in contract discussions. The City offered a 10% wage increase over four years as well as other specific increases. ”ATU’s demands far exceed what we are prepared to ask Saskatoon citizens and Transit customers to pay,” says Jorgenson. “The ATU Executive has demanded raises up to as much as 35% for some employees, averaging 19% overall.”

Eight of the nine unions/associations in the General Pension Plan have accepted a 10% deal over four years as well as increased contributions and amendments to the General Pension Plan.  This is the same offer presented to the ATU.

On September 20, 2014 the Transit union proposed a 22.25 % increase over five years; on Friday October 10, 2014 they modified their offer to be an average of 19% over four years, which is a higher per-year increase than their 5-year proposal. ATU maintains a 97% strike mandate.

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