Oakville Transit workers could strike late Friday

Oakville Transit workers have set a strike deadline for midnight on Friday after months of negotiations with the city have failed to produce a new agreement.

About 180 bus drivers, cleaners and mechanics could walk off the job, ending service immediately.  More than 10,000 riders use Oakville Transit on an average weekday.

Workers have been without a contract since their previous one expired on May 15. Negotiations started on April 26.

The Canadian Auto Workers union and representatives for the city were still negotiating Tuesday, city spokeswoman Mary Jo Milhomens told CityNews.ca

“We’re optimistic we’ll reach a settlement,” she said.

“From the town’s perspective, we’re in regular negotiations,’ Milhomens added.

Issues include scheduling rights, vacations and treatment of injured workers, CAW President Ken Lewenza said in a statement.

The union accused the company of mistreating injured workers, including forcing disabled workers to use personal vacation time during their period of recuperation.

Oakville’s care-A-van service will continue only for customers who have dialysis appointments. All other bookings will be cancelled should a strike occur.

Oakville isn’t the only city in the GTA facing public transit issues: A strike is looming in York Region, and GO Transit is still negotiating with the Amalgamated Transit Union. A strike would not affect GO train service, but buses would be affected.

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