Ottawa City and Transit Workers’ Union Finalize Tentative Contract

The City of Ottawa has reached a tentative contract agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 279 (ATU 279), representing about 2,300 transit workers. This announcement was made by city solicitor Stuart Huxley on August 30, 2023, following negotiations that continued despite challenges.

According to Huxley, the agreement was finalized at approximately 2:30 a.m. on that date. The contract renewal pertains to employees within the conventional transit bargaining unit, including bus operators, rail operators, mechanics, dispatchers, fare inspectors, and maintenance staff. The previous collective agreement had expired on March 31, 2023, prompting the need for renewed negotiations.

Negotiations persisted even after the transit union sought conciliation assistance to expedite the discussions. Huxley emphasized that both parties managed to arrive at a tentative agreement as the conciliation period concluded, notably without the help of a federally appointed conciliator.

Details of the Agreement Pending

The specifics of the tentative agreement remain confidential until they can be presented to union members for ratification. Huxley expressed that the union will likely submit the agreement to its membership for a vote in the coming weeks.

Once ratified by ATU 279, the tentative deal will then be forwarded to the city council for final approval. The city staff has indicated plans to provide an in-camera briefing on the agreement during September, allowing council members to review the details privately before any public discussions.

The outcome of this agreement represents a significant step in ensuring continued operations and services for Ottawa’s transit system, addressing both the needs of the city and the workforce that supports it. As the situation develops, further updates will be provided regarding the ratification process and the implications of the new contract for transit services in Ottawa.