Baird wants Ambrose to find resolution to transit strike

Transport Minister John Baird will advise cabinet colleague Rona Ambrose to do whatever is necessary to find a resolution to the OC Transpo strike, CTV Ottawa has learned.

This week the City of Ottawa asked Ambrose, the federal labour minister, to order the Amalgamated Transit Union to allow members to vote on the city's latest offer.

But union president Andr� Cornellier said he wouldn't hold a vote that would potentially divide the membership, since scheduling and booking concerns only affect a few hundred OC Transpo workers.

About 2,300 drivers, mechanics, and dispatchers have been on strike since Dec. 10. Negotiations fell apart on Christmas Eve despite the presence of a federal mediator.

The union has until Dec. 30 to respond to the labour minister about the city's request. The City of Ottawa can than make a further submission before a decision is rendered.