Go Bus service across Ontario was suspended Nov. 7 after the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 1587 initiated a strike. ATU Local 1587 represents 2,200 station attendants, bus operators, maintenance workers, transit safety officers and office professionals at Metrolinx.
A strike was initially slated to begin on Oct. 31, with the union postponing picketing to consider and vote on a late offer from Metrolinx that 81 percent of members voted against.
Metrolinx posted a service update and noted its disappointment in the action.
The strike does not impact Go Trains or UP Express service.
ATU International President John Costa says the union uses a strike “only as a last resort,” recognizing the action does impact transit dependent riders.
“But Metrolinx has left us with no other option,” Costa said.
The main sticking point in negotiations is the use of contractors with ATU Local 1587, explaining Metrolinx refuses “to budge on language that would protect GO Transit jobs from being contracted out.”
“Protections against contracting out are imperative to ensure that experienced workers are on the job running GO Transit safely and efficiently,” said Local 1587 President Rob Cormier. “Without these protections, Metrolinx can contract to outside companies, which will hire inexperienced workers in precarious, non-union positions.
In a separate statement, he added the union is “committed to meeting with Metrolinx to reach a deal.”
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
