Transit Union Job Action & Increased Sick Time Cause Major Cancellations

Saskatoon Transit has been forced to make major adjustments to afternoon and evening service on November 24, 2016. The Transit union continues to direct its members to take job action, this factor is compounded with an increased amount of sick time today has increased the pressure on the system.

“We will do our best to keep as much service on the road as we possibly can but with the refusal of over time by the union and an increased number of operators calling in sick, we have no other choice but to start pulling service,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit.      

Today, Saskatoon Transit had 12 operators call in sick. This, added to the refusal of overtime has caused the cancellation of runs or “loops” on 11 school routes, 21 regular routes and will cause over-crowding on 13 regular routes during afternoon and evening service.  

“This is the first day that Transit union job action has caused us to make major cancellations to regularly scheduled routes,” says McDonald. “We expect this to continue over the next few days so we encourage riders to regularly check the apps and our website for service alerts.”

Saskatoon Transit will continue to keep customers informed by issuing service alerts when made aware of any disruptions or delays. Service alerts can be viewed at saskatoontransit.ca, saskatoon.ca, on Twitter at @stoontransit or @YXEserviceAlert, through Transit App and in Google Transit.

Transit administration may not be aware of all immediate job action but will make efforts to inform the public of delays or disruptions as the information is made available. During such times Saskatoon Transit will make every attempt to maintain an appropriate level of service based on the resources available, but may be forced to further minimize service if required.  Citizens are encouraged to plain their commute in advance and allow extra time to get to their final destination.

Individuals who do not have access to the internet can call the Transit Customer Service line at 306-975-3100 but are reminded that wait times may be longer than normal due to job action or higher than normal call volumes.

Access Transit is an essential service, and will continue operating as normal.

The City thanks our citizens, transit customers and our transit employees for their patience and understanding as we have attempted to reach a contract settlement with ATU.