GO Transit workers on strike after failed contract talks

The union representing GO Transit bus operators, station attendants, and other employees is officially on strike after talks with Metrolinx repeatedly failed.

The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1587 said it was unable to come to an agreement with Metrolinx during discussions over the weekend.

Members of the union did not go to work today, disrupting GO Transit bus operations, but residents can still use GO Transit train services.

⚠️ Due to an ongoing labour dispute, as of Nov. 7, there will be no GO Bus service but GO trains will continue to operate.

We encourage GO bus customers to plan other travel options, including taking GO train service, local transit, etc.

Stay up to date: https://t.co/a9gIRd4WZE pic.twitter.com/wrtND8bOY7

— GO Transit (@GOtransit) November 7, 2022

ATU Local 1587 president Rob Cormier said Sunday that talks broke down after Metrolinx failed to put forward a proposal that addressed some key issues such as protections in place for employees against hiring contract workers from outside companies.

The union, which represents about 2,200 GO Transit workers, says it’s willing to return to negotiations if Metrolinx puts forward an improved proposal.

READ MORE: GO Transit employees vote in favour of strike if no deal reached

But the union also says it plans to file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour accusing Metrolinx of bad-faith bargaining.

Metrolinx issued a statement saying the union walked away from weekend negotiations and declined a request to return to the table on Monday.