Drivers and mechanics operating some bus routes in York Region have rejected a contract offer, setting the stage for a possible strike next week.
The 214 workers are employees of Veolia Transportation, one of several contractors that provides transit services in the region. They work on 24 routes in York's southwest division, serving 28,000 daily riders, primarily in the City of Vaughan.
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113, which also represents TTC employees, and Veolia reached a last-minute agreement on Sunday to avert a work stoppage. Although the union recommended its members accept the deal, they voted it down.
In a statement Wednesday, the ATU said it would not call for an immediate strike, but was willing to meet "around the clock" with the company to reach a new deal. If an agreement isn't reached by the end of this weekend, however, the union said it would call a strike for Monday morning.
The workers, who joined the union last summer, are looking for their first contract.
Other transit service in York Region, including Viva Express buses, GO Trains and the TTC, would not be affected by a potential strike.
Adrian Morrow