Peterborough Transit could face interruptions as soon as mid-November according to Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 1320, Cory MacLeod after the City reportedly did not show up prepared for a recent contract negotiation meeting. 

“ATU Local 1320 is absolutely committed to serving our Passengers and never want to withdraw services as we know it would have a devastating impact on the many riders who depend on public transit,” MacLeod said.

In a press release from October 26th the ATU expressed that it is “appalled at the low offer from the Employer” pointing to the 2% total compensation increase which will see wages increase even less under the City’s most recent proposal, which has previously been rejected by ATU 1320. 

“2% is for milk, not for wages and benefits,” MacLeod said. “Our members have been suffering for years with lower-than-average wages in comparison to workers of similar-sized transit agencies.” 

Additionally, during a phone interview on October 26th, MacLeod told Arthur that while wages and benefits are major points of concern for him and his members, he noted the fact that work-life balance is among the key considerations which the City seems unwilling to recognize in their proposals.

“We’re trying to get better language in the CBA to protect our members,” MacLeod emphasized as he explained the concerns around the long days his members work and the breaks many of them take in areas where food and proper places to rest are not available. 

MacLeod stated that it feels as if the City and Council are not taking this process as seriously as they should be and added that the ATU is “not asking for more than what comparable services are being offered.” 

Following meetings with the City, ATU 1320 has been forced to seek conciliation and has since filed a No Board Report on October 25th. A No Board report is issued by the Minister of Labour and starts a 17 day period after which workers will be legally entitled to cease work if an agreement is not reached with their employer.

This decision comes after the City’s negotiating committee came forward with the same proposals as had previously been rejected by the ATU. MacLeod noted that it’s unclear whether it’s the City’s negotiating committee or Council which is responsible for the lack of updated proposals, but mentioned that the committee should have sought a new mandate from council after the ATU rejected their most recent proposal. 

MacLeod told Arthur that he expects the No Board Report to achieve this, though he remains frustrated by the fact it had to get to this point and is unsure of where to place blame.

At the most recent round of negotiations, the City came back with the same proposals and measures, which led MacLeod to question what exactly they’re doing there, noting the waste of renting space and feeding staff when the same points are being discussed.

“We continue to rely on our riders and other groups that are committed to helping us fight for sustainable transit in Peterborough,” MacLeod said. “Part of that sustainability is ensuring that the workforce is treated with respect and dignity, and provided an economic package that is reflective of today's environment and cost of living.”

‍Arthur reached out to Transportation Chair and Ashburnham Ward Councillor Keith Riel as to whether or not the City would reconsider the 2% wage increase. 

In response, Riel, who is not on the negotiating committee, stated that the City has a negotiating team run by the People and Culture Division and that “any settlement would come to [council] in a closed session meeting” meaning that he would be unable to discuss them in detail.

Mayor Jeff Leal wrote in a written statement to Arthur that while he cannot comment on ongoing labour negotiations, “the City of Peterborough has a long history of positive relationships with all of our unions” making sure to state that the workers of ATU 1320 “work hard every day for all of our citizens.”

“A strike is a last resort and we will do everything in our power to achieve a contract that is fair and equitable for our members so as not to leave the people of Peterborough out in the cold,” MacLeod told Arthur at the conclusion of the interview.