Now for something different. | Transit union to change approach

bsommerhalder February 29, 2012 9

/ Because we all know what insanity is … /

Looks like the transit union is going to be changing up its approach in light of the Friday deadline imposed by HRM.

According to an ATU 508 memo I’ve obtained, union leadership “take the threat of a specific time line very seriously,” and assert that “this is not bargaining in good faith and we must now react”.

According to the memo, the union wants to cut the Metro Transit negotiating team out and take future offers directly to Council, because “each of our counters of late are being directly judged and denied by council with advice from MT negotiators at in camera sessions”. Mayor Peter Kelly already indicated that he wouldn’t be interested in bypassing the negotiating team, so it’s tough to know if the union will get this opportunity.

“Our approach to negotiations also must change. We will be sending our new proposal offers directly to council. It is time to react to the hard bargaining tactics being used by Eddie Robar and his team,” the memo continues.

It also looks like the union is going to try something different on the picket line.

According to the memo, “our picketing procedures must change as well in order to be more effective”.

It’s not clear what this means, but I don’t expect it means they’ll be serving lemonade.

TAGS » labour dispute, transit strike

POSTED IN » Current Issue

Ashley Morton

I had it suggested to me yesterday that both leaders (Robar and Wilson) should lose their jobs, due to their complete failure to solve this, and the increasing personalisation of the propaganda. It might make the negotiating table a more reasonable place, and would signal a true fresh start. That’s not exactly to say that they’re where the problem lies, but it’s become abundantly clear that they’re not exactly part of the solution!

Andrew

I see your point, but they were probably elected/hired to their position for a reason. Clearly Wilson said he will not accept rostering and he won’t budge on it AND has 80% of the unions support… why should he be fired for representing the unions interests?

Katie

I have lost all support for the transit strikers. Their picket line at Ragged Lake and transit headquarters in Dartmouth look like poorly constructed shanty towns. They’re holding the taxpayers hostage and now they’re blocking snow plows, the IWK, and elementary schools too! What does ANY of this have to do with the strike? Leave us alone and get back to work!
scratching my head

do you people really believe the bus drivers are going to picket the grace and schools? no wonder the city finds it so easy to lie to us. you people are actually swallowing it. wake up!!!!!!!!!!
scratching my head

wow. kellys PR team has been twisting you people in the social media for months. i cant believe you folks are so gullible

Katie

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2012/03/05/ns-transit-strike-snowplow.html

Seeing as they blocked the snowplows this morning, I think those of use who believe that they will attempt to block the IWK and whatever else is on their list have more evidence for that than you do against it. But thanks for your pleasant comment.

scratching my head

between concert scandels, mis-handled wills, and bold face lies on tv from MT PR spokeswoman, you should all know by now that this mayor and council tell lots of lies all the time. throw in the fact that they are being misled by dishonest managers who have been bargaining in bad faith from the beginning and you should realize that binding arbitration is the only answer. a fair deal with this employer is impossible. this by now, should be crystal clear to all of you
Emad

Beautiful walk to school today, but I rather not walk for an hour when I could be using that time to get work done. I personally don’t agree with the direction MT is taking with their tactics. They think they’re sending a message to Council, but really they’re holding the city hostage to have their demands met. When you turn a workers strike into a hostage situation the hostage taker becomes the antagonist, and the hostages look to the authorities for hope. Go back to work people – I no longer support you.

Emad

Just a slight amendment to my previous post. I understand that the situation is far more complicated and that the Transit workers have more to loose than not. I hope this who think will come to some type of balanced resolution…BUT I WANT MY BUS BACK.