Union of some Metrolinx workers votes in favor of strike deadline of October 31

The union representing Metrolinx GO Transit bus drivers and other workers says its members have voted in favor of a strike deadline to Oct. 31 if an agreement is not reached with their employer.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1587 says its 2,200 members voted 93% in favor of a strike at the end of the month “if necessary”.

ATU Local 1587 represents all GO Transit bus operators, station attendants, plant and fleet maintenance workers, transit security officers and office professionals.

President Rob Cormier says the union’s main issues include job security and job security related to hiring contract workers from outside companies.

He says negotiations with Metrolinx began in April and members have been working without a contract since June 1.

Metrolinx was not immediately available for comment, but the company posted on its GO Transit Twitter account that it was continuing to negotiate with the union and remained hopeful a deal would be reached.