‘Complete suspension’ of bus service starting Monday, says STO

Gatineau residents who rely of public transportation are waiting with anticipation ahead of a possible strike on Monday. CTV’s Kimberley Johnson reports.

The Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) says public transit in Gatineau, Que.

will be suspended starting Monday as some critical workers are set to strike.

Earlier today, the STO announced it asked the union representing some workers to settle the issue through binding arbitration.

While the STO has not confirmed whether the union has accepted binding arbitration, they say they are confirming “the complete suspension of bus service starting tomorrow morning, Monday, October 20.”

“We recommend you make alternative transportation arrangements for Monday, October 20, such as carpooling or active transportation. Whenever possible, teleworking is also suggested,” the STO said in a statement.

The STO says paratransit and on-demand transport services will be maintained.

If accepted, binding arbitration would see the labour dispute resolved by a neutral third party, and the STO says it would put end to the upcoming strike action and allow public transit to continue regular operations.

The STO says the union had to inform the mediator of their decision by 4 p.m. today, but in a 5:30 p.m. update, the transit organization said they had not yet received a response.

ATU Local 1557 represents approximately fifty mechanic supervisors and trainers seeking a new contract with STO.

According to ATU Local 1557, wages and job security have been the principal negotiating barriers.

The STO says buses would have to stop running on Monday if a deal is not reached as the supervisor’s role is critical to transit operations.

On Friday, the STO told bus riders to make alternate transportation arrangements for Monday in case a deal is not reached by the end of the weekend.

Daniel Almeida, a University of Ottawa student who uses STO transit to get to campus, says he’s planning ahead for the possible strike.

“First of all, I think (the strike) is valid,” Almeida says.

“But it definitely it will affect me. So usually, I take the bus around 9 a.m. to go to Ottawa. I will have to maybe leave home one hour earlier to see what’s going on, and then maybe take a taxi to go to Ottawa.”

Allister Ashwal drives into work and says he expects traffic congestion to worsen if STO buses stop running.

“Traffic’s already going to be difficult to get through, so I think this’ll just add on to everyone’s travel time and stress getting through the border,” Ashwal said.

Audrey Blay says she takes the bus everywhere, and with no service she’ll either have to pay $25 for a taxi or brave a one hour and ten-minute walk for her daily commute.

“Monday (through) Sunday I take a bus for my job, and for my friends, for church, every day I take a bus,” Bleay said.

“For me, the strike is not good. So please STO. Please, tomorrow I need it for my job,” she laughs.

With files from CTV’s Kimberley Johnson.

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