York Region reaches memorandum of agreement with ATU Local 113 to reduce YRT service delays and address traffic safety concerns

NEWMARKET – The Regional Municipality of York has reached a memorandum of agreement today with Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 113 to reduce commuter delays and address public safety concerns associated with picketing at Finch Station and other terminals experienced during the ongoing strike between the union and Veolia Transportation Inc.

 

The agreement reached this afternoon will allow YRT buses to enter freely at terminals and will limit exiting vehicle delays.

 

The agreement is in response to York Region’s decision to pursue an injunction from the Superior Court of Justice to address the service delays and unsafe traffic conditions experienced by YRT customers during
the ATU Local 113 ongoing strike against Veolia Transportation Inc.

 

Quality and availability of service during the strike period is a priority for York Region and all efforts will be made to ensure the ongoing comfort and safety of our passengers and the general public.

 

York Region supports the right of union labour action and will continue to work with ATU Local 113 to accommodate lawful picketing during the strike period.  If the terms of today’s settlement are not upheld, or if other issues relating to safety or service delays arise, the matter of an injunction can be returned to court.

 

Veolia Transportation Inc. is under contract to The Regional Municipality of York to provide Viva bus rapid transit service.  Veolia operators represented by ATU Local 113 have been on strike since Thursday, September 25th after rejecting a tentative collective agreement reached between the union and Veolia Transportation Inc.

 

Viva provides five bus rapid transit routes along major York Region corridors, including Yonge Street and Highway 7, with links to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway at Don Mills, Finch and Downsview Station.

 

For more information, please visit the YRT/Viva website at www.yrt.ca or call the Customer Service Centre at 1-866-MOVE-YRT (668-3978). 

 

For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, please visit www.york.ca
    
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Media Contact: Kim MacGillivray, Communications Specialist, York Region
 Phone:  905 830-4444, ext. 1209 or Cell: 905 251-6412
 Email:  Kim.MacGillivray@york.ca

 

Media Contact: Patrick Casey, Director, Corporate Communications, York Region
 Phone: 905 830-4444, ext. 1235 or Cell: 905 715-8211
 Email: patrick.casey@york.ca