Belleville Transit workers set strike deadline

Main Image
Image
"Strike mandate text graphic"
Share

BELLEVILLE—After concessions were tabled during contract negotiations, Unifor Local 1839 members have voted 100% in favour of taking strike action if bargaining doesn’t produce a tentative agreement by April 1, 2022.

“Seeking concessions from front-line workers is shameful,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer. “Transit workers have earned a fair contract and we will accept nothing less.”

The current collective agreement for Local 1839 expired on March 31, 2021. This was a one-year rollover agreement was signed during the pandemic to prevent layoffs and secure 40-hour work weeks.

“Despite the risk, transit workers showed up to ensure that Belleville-area residents could get to work and medical appointments and wherever else they needed to go during the pandemic,” said Doug Keller, Local 1839 president.

If an agreement is not reached before the deadline, a legal strike will begin at 4 a.m. on April 1.

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

 

Media Contact

Ian Boyko

National Communications Representative - Western Region
Email