Press release
In a joint announcement, the City of Guelph and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1189 are letting the public know they have reached a tentative agreement and the City has called off plans to lock out Guelph Transit employees as of 12:01 a.m., July 14.
Details of the agreement will be released upon ratification by both parties.
“I am happy to announce that Guelph Transit will be serving the people of Guelph as usual tomorrow morning,” stated Mayor Karen Farbridge.
“The members of ATU Local 1189 have wanted to continue to serve Guelph’s transit riders,” said ATU Local 1189 President Andy Cleary. “For many Guelph residents we are their sole source of transportation, and we look forward to continuing to support our community.”
A day-long meeting, with the provincially-appointed conciliator in attendance, resulted in the necessary progress to cancel the lockout and keep the buses running for Guelph residents. During the course of the day, better understanding was achieved on the key concerns underlying the breakdown in the relationship between City administration and ATU Local 1189.
“We believe this agreement is a key first step to repairing our relationship with ATU Local 1189 and ensuring that Guelph’s residents continue to have the transit service on which they depend,” continued Mayor Farbridge.
All Guelph Transit employees are expected to join the rest of their City of Guelph colleagues on Monday, July 14 as the City’s regular operations continue unabated.