York Region Transit strike continues, shows few signs of letting up

TORONTO, Ont. – For the estimated 44,000 people impacted by the York Region Transit strike, it’s been a long five-weeks since the strike left them with reduced service, with many scrambling to find alternative methods of transport.

After this many weeks without service, many are wondering how much longer the strike will drag on.

Ray Doyle, President of ATU Local 1587, represents some of the striking workers, and told 680News they’re willing to go to binding arbitration.

“The region is not taking responsibility for itself, they are ducking the bullet on this one,” Doyle said. “They are responsible, by virtue of office, to provide service to the region.”

Doyle also said there will be more pickets up this week, so those who use transit in York Region should expect to see more striking workers.

“We have tried to end this strike weeks ago, to which everyone is refuting,” Doyle said. “We have offered to end the strike immediately and go to binding arbitration on this one.”

The two sides are two far apart, according to Doyle, who said arbitration seems to be the only answer.

Some of the issues include wages, benefits and length and scheduling of shifts.

No new talks are scheduled at this point, according to Doyle.

Over 500 bus drivers and maintenance workers from York Region Transit and the region’s privately-owned bus service contractor, Viva, are currently on strike.

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