Motor Coach Operators mark day 64 of strike

It was an afternoon full of music, food, family and friends as striking Motor Coach Operators marked day 64 of the labour dispute between them and ONTC management.

Althought the weather kept Timmins MPP Gilles Bisson and Nickelbelt MPP France Gélinas were unable to make it due to bad weather conditions, the cold weather couldn't stop brothers and sisters from various local unions from braving the elements today to lend their support to the Motor Coach Operators.

Heading back to the bargaining table on Monday Tony Wentzell Teamsters Canada Rail Conference Local Chairperson reiterated once again that his bargaining unit will approach the new round of negations with cautious optimism.

“We are certainly hoping that the negotiations are taken seriously this time,” he says.

Wentzell also said that the Motor Coach Operators have a history of caving in to management needs and have endured fifteen years of wage freezes and concessions but now it is time for management to respect their workers.

“We’re looking for parity,” states Wentzell.

“We are looking for the same treatment the other departments at the ONTC get with increases in wages and benefits.”

Wentzell also said his members become increasingly worried as the holidays grow closer as finances are tight for his members.

“We’ve been informed that banked stat holiday pay which under our collective agreement is automatically paid out on Nov 30 of every year, will not be forthcoming.”

But if there is a silver lining to be found during the strike the Teamsters have found it, as Wentzell says the drivers health has improved.

“Their blood pressure and cholesterol is way down.”