By paNOW Staff

Saskatoon transit workers picket city hall

Sep 22, 2014 | 8:19 AM

Less than 12 hours after the lockout came into effect, transit workers were out in full force to picket the City’s move.

A few dozen drivers, dispatchers, and maintenance workers picketed outside Saskatoon City Hall to show their discontent with the City's decision to lock them up Saturday night after contract negotiations failed again.

Workers’ signs read “We are one ATU” and “not our choice to be locked out,” showing their solidarity with the Amalgamated Transit Union representing them at the bargaining table.

In addition to the approximately 330 drivers, dispatcher Sandy Wright said there are around 50 support staff affect by the lockout, including herself.

“I think the union put the best foot forward and tried to do everything they could to come to a resolve. What we’re asking for is not out of line,” Wright said, referring to the union’s offer of a 22.25 per cent wage increase over five years to bring wages up to the western Canada transit worker’s average. “A transit operator is a transit operator wherever you go in Canada so we should be afforded a wage that’s fair. Our pension, we’ve all planned for that pension, we’ve all contributed so it shouldn’t be taken away at the end.”

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Wright said workers plan to continue to picket City Hall until an agreement between the City and the union is reached.

A rally at City Hall is planned for Monday at 11:30 a.m.

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