Union representing Transit Windsor workers issues 2nd strike deadline

The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) has issued a strike deadline of next Monday for its some 300 workers at Transit Windsor.

The union says members will be on the picket line as of 12:01 a.m. Feb. 5 if a deal isn't reached before then.

In a news release issued Monday, it stated federally mandated 10 paid sick days continue to be the main sticking point.

"The lack of interest in working out a fair deal for transit workers — and keeping the city moving was clearly demonstrated by Transit Windsor," said Manny Sforza, ATU vice president.

ATU previously issued a 72-hour strike notice on Jan. 11, 39 days after Sforza previously told CBC News that they have been in a legal strike position.

This was the first time the union issued a strike notice since 2020.

Riders told CBC News that in the event of a strike, ridesharing and taxis would have to be used to get around Windsor, both of which are more expensive than taking transit.

In the end, a strike was temporarily delayed and the union withdrew their strike notice just hours before the deadline.