The STO is disappointed with the CIRB's decision

The Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) is disappointed with the decision from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) not to recognize public transit as an essential service and asks the union representing the drivers and maintenance employees to resume discussions in order to work out a satisfactory agreement between the parties. 

“We must respect the decision handed down by the CIRB today, even though it is very bad news for the public and our clientele. The STO remains convinced that, in the regional context, public transit is an essential service. The STO firmly believes that it demonstrated this fact,” stated STO Chairman Gilles Carpentier.

The STO had asked the CIRB, which has jurisdiction over the STO regarding work relations, to issue orders to permit, in the event of a strike, the maintenance of regular services and integrated school services across the entire territory served by the STO during the following times: from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., and from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. It also asked for the maintenance of bus maintenance services to ensure that service during the periods established by the Board could be provided in accordance with normal safety standards.

The STO regrets that the union withdrew from negotiations on January 6 for reasons that have nothing to do with the provisions of the collective agreement to be negotiated. The STO invites the union to resume discussions so as not to take riders hostage by depriving them of public transit service.

A meeting has been called by the mediator for Friday, January 20, that is mandatory for both parties to attend. Several other mediation meeting dates have also been scheduled for January and February. The STO remains available to continue discussions and negotiate in good faith.

If the union decides to exercise its right to strike, it will have to take responsibility for its decision and the fact that it is depriving the public and riders of public transit service. A minimum notice of 72 hours must be given to the STO before the union is able to strike.

The STO regrets the possible impact this situation could have on its clientele, partners and other employee groups when it is fully available for negotiating with the union in good faith. The STO remains hopeful that it will be able to continue the negotiations in order to reach an agreement that is satisfactory and fair for employees, patrons and taxpayers.

The STO is committed to keeping its clientele and partners up to date on how the situation is evolving. The STO's Web site at sto.ca is the primary source of information and we refer riders to this site to follow the course of events.

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