Without a negotiated employment contract since July 2019, the bus drivers of the Société de transport de Laval (STL) will hold two more days of strike on Saturday and Sunday. STL buses will not run from 4 a.m. Saturday until service returns at 4 a.m. on Monday morning, December 20.
“The purpose of this mobilization of Laval drivers is to ensure the sustainability of the public transport service in our municipality and a satisfactory settlement for the affiliates. Unfortunately, salary offers made by employers, in an inflationary context, will only impoverish the affiliates “, explained Patrick Lafleur, president of the STL drivers union (CUPE 5959).
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Drivers denounce the work environment that continues to deteriorate in the STL today, while discussions on the salary issue are progressing well at the negotiating table. The management side should make greater efforts to allow an agreement to be reached and a calm work environment to be re-established.
In the context of the climate emergency, public transportation in Laval must be a priority for the ARTM, the government and the City of Laval. In this context, the union launched an awareness campaign on the importance of collective mobility in Laval with the slogan “Mobilized for mobility! “
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Laval, Que., Bus drivers continue to strike for 2 days, leaving transit users without service
“It is well documented that if the supply of public transport decreases, customers turn to the car and in a perspective of sustainable development in Laval, we must bet on public transport,” adds Patrick Lafleur.
The union party has in hand a strike mandate voted 99% by its members in January 2021.
On Saturday, there will be pickets in front of the STL offices from 11 am to 3 pm with families.
Sunday, demonstration at Carrefour Laval from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
With nearly 122,000 members in Quebec, CUPE represents 8,650 members in ground transportation in Quebec. CUPE is also present in the following sectors: social affairs, communications, education, universities, energy, municipalities, state corporations and public organizations, air transport, mixed sector and maritime transport. It is the largest union affiliated with FTQ.
SOURCE Canadian Union of Public Employees (FTQ)
Information: Lisa Djevahirdjian, 514 831-3815, [email protected]
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Reference-globalnews.ca