CTV Ottawa- Board rules OC Transpo is not an essential service - CTV News, Shows and Sports -- Canadian Television
Updated: Wed Jan. 28 2009 11:57:42
ctvottawa.ca
The Canada Industrial Relations Board has decided OC Transpo is not an essential service and doesn't pose a direct threat to the public's health and safety.
About 3,000 written submissions were sent to the board when it asked the public to tell them if the strike was taking a toll on their health and safety.
The decision, which was made at a public hearing Wednesday morning, signals there is no end in sight for a public transit strike that has already lasted 50 days.
Meanwhile, the Raging Grannies held a small protest at Ottawa City Hall Wednesday as council met to decide how to move forward with settling the strike now that talks have broken down.
Mayor Larry O'Brien said the city has shown it is willing to negotiate and compromise on outstanding issues, adding the only way to end the strike is for both sides to work together.
The city's latest offer included removing the $2,500 productivity bonus in return for two per cent more over two years. The city says it also offered to set up a temporary committee with members from management and the union to create a scheduling system that would include adequate rest time for drivers between shifts.
The union, however, says the city's latest offer did not include any significant changes on the issues that are important to its members.
Now, the union is pushing for the city to accept its previous proposal that would put the contract dispute to binding arbitration, with the exception of scheduling, which the union says would go before an independent 'fact-finder.'
Updated: Wed Jan. 28 2009 11:57:42
ctvottawa.ca
The Canada Industrial Relations Board has decided OC Transpo is not an essential service and doesn't pose a direct threat to the public's health and safety.
About 3,000 written submissions were sent to the board when it asked the public to tell them if the strike was taking a toll on their health and safety.
The decision, which was made at a public hearing Wednesday morning, signals there is no end in sight for a public transit strike that has already lasted 50 days.
Meanwhile, the Raging Grannies held a small protest at Ottawa City Hall Wednesday as council met to decide how to move forward with settling the strike now that talks have broken down.
Mayor Larry O'Brien said the city has shown it is willing to negotiate and compromise on outstanding issues, adding the only way to end the strike is for both sides to work together.
The city's latest offer included removing the $2,500 productivity bonus in return for two per cent more over two years. The city says it also offered to set up a temporary committee with members from management and the union to create a scheduling system that would include adequate rest time for drivers between shifts.
The union, however, says the city's latest offer did not include any significant changes on the issues that are important to its members.
Now, the union is pushing for the city to accept its previous proposal that would put the contract dispute to binding arbitration, with the exception of scheduling, which the union says would go before an independent 'fact-finder.'
