Bargaining Update
In the interest of serving our passengers, MVT and the ATU agreed to binding arbitration and we are pleased that we have received Mr. Ready’s decision. Binding arbitration enabled us to reach a first agreement with the ATU and resume providing high-quality and reliable transportation services to everyone who relies on HandyDART.
MVT and the ATU had been in negotiations since January 1, 2009. The strike began on October 26, 2009. While an agreement had been reached by the negotiating committees for both parties, it was voted down by the ATU’s membership on December 23, 2009. In an effort to resolve the outstanding issues, both parties agreed to have Vince Ready mediate on December 29, 2009. After a full day of mediation on December 30, 2009, MVT and the ATU agreed to binding arbitration. Mr. Ready’s decision was issued on January 13, 2010.
We are happy that an agreement has been reached which includes the municipal pension plan as well as increases of 16 to 18 per cent over the next four years for all of our employees. We know this has been difficult for many of our employees and we look forward to working with them to provide the caring service our passengers have come to expect.