Timmins Transit avoids weekend strike after ‘last-minute’ agreement

A tentative agreement between the City of Timmins and CUPE 1544 has averted a transit strike.

Update:

The City of Timmins announced Sunday evening that all Timmins Transit bus services would be suspended effective Sept. 29 due to a strike by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1544.

Original Story:

A potential disruption to public transit in Timmins, Ont., has been averted after the city and its transit workers’ union reached a tentative contract agreement on Friday.

The City of Timmins and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1544, which represents all Timmins Transit staff, announced the deal in a news release issued shortly after 6 p.m. on Sept. 26.

“At this time, there will be no interruption to regular Timmins Transit services,” the city said in the news release.

The agreement concludes a period of tense collective bargaining negotiations between the two parties, which saw transit workers in a legal strike position on Saturday, had a deal not been reached.

City officials said the deal reflects “the dedication of the city’s transit drivers, dispatchers, and personnel, and underscores the importance of ensuring reliable and accessible public transportation for the community.”

Details to remain confidential until ratification

While a deal has been struck, specific terms will not be made public immediately.

“Details of the tentative agreement will remain confidential until the contract has been reviewed and ratified by all parties,” said the city.

This ratification process involves union members voting to accept the agreement and city council providing final approval.

The public can expect some more information early next week, with officials announcing media availability on Monday to discuss the matter.