Cornwall Transit drivers approve new tentative contract
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The president of the union representing Cornwall bus drivers has confirmed a tentative deal has been reached with the city, averting a potential fall strike.
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 946 president Matt Levac said drivers who attended a recent meeting voted 27-0 in favour of the deal; the agreement is expected to become official when ratified at next Tuesday’s Cornwall council meeting.
“After extensive negotiations spanning nine months, ATU Local 946 is delighted to announce that a tentative agreement has been reached,” Levac said. “We’re happy with the (agreement), it’s a fair contract.
“This milestone marks a significant step forward in the relationship between the union and the City of Cornwall. We’re optimistic that this agreement paves the way for a fruitful and co-operative partnership between the union and the city – our goal is to work hand in hand to benefit our members and the entire Cornwall community.”
Levac expressed gratitude for the support from other local unions during negotiations, namely the Canadian Union of Public Employees locals 234, 3251, 5734, and the Cornwall Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 849.
Levac said the Cornwall riding public is a big beneficiary of the tentative deal, thanking citizens for their support.
“(Drivers are) dedicated to serving the Cornwall community, and this tentative deal ensures that vital services will continue uninterrupted,” Levac said. “The union expresses its gratitude for the ongoing support of the community.’’
In mid-September drivers voted down the city’s final offer, with a mediation date of Oct. 11 in place.
Ten days ago upwards of 60 unionized city employees and supporters rallied in downtown Cornwall early on Monday evening, in a protest timed to get the attention of city council members and those attending the regular council meeting. In an ATU Canada news release late last week, president John Di Nino called out the city for what the union said have been failed negotiations with the local transit union.
Levac said progress was made last week in discussions with management, and a final gap in details of a potential agreement were closed on the weekend. He said that, initially, a strike vote was to be held on Oct. 1, but instead it turned into a ratification vote by drivers. Levac did not divulge details of the tentative agreement, but he did say it fairly addresses union wages and the contentious issue of personal leave days.
A comment from the City of Cornwall was requested but not received by the time of publication.
Transit operators had been without a contract since the previous one expired on Dec. 31.
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