Five days ahead of a possible strike that would completely paralyze scheduled services on the Capital Transport Network (RTC), the Bus Drivers Union (CSN) regrets that “negotiations are stalled”.
“The employer comes to the table unprepared and is holding back any progress that may be made,” lamented a union source familiar with the matter.
According to her, “Documents were made available to the employer in May to deal with certain issues and the union only received these documents back last week.” It has been almost three weeks since we sent out our strike notice and we seem to be slowing the pace on the part of the employer not to increase.
Upcoming press conferences
Hélène Fortin, leader of the drivers’ union, will hold an impromptu press conference this Monday at 12:30 p.m. to give an update on the talks. The Employers’ Party should react later in the afternoon as the RTC will organize a press conference at 2pm on a completely different topic.
Two weeks ago, the two parties began intensive negotiations under the aegis of a Labor Ministry mediator.
The drivers’ union strike notice covers the period July 1-16, which falls during the Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ). The collective agreement expired on June 30, 2022.
A recent decision by the Administrative Labor Court (TAT) states that no essential bus services will be offered in the event of a strike.
The RTC has not yet said if it will appeal the decision, which has been heavily criticized by Mayor Bruno Marchand.
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