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Oakville Transit workers ratify new agreement Local bus drivers in line to get 9.5 per cent pay hike over new four-year contract Oakville. "The Town of Oakville is pleased a fair contract settlement was reached that balances competitive compensation for transit employees with long-term affordability for taxpayers." Willie Lambert, chair of the transit workers' bargaining committee, said he is happy with the result, but not with the actions of the Town during the process. "I'm glad we settled the contract, I'm glad our buses are rolling, I'm glad we're looking after people, but for the transit management and some of their supporters at Town Hall, I have a very bitter reflection following this," he said. Lambert said that while he felt the Town was more reasonable concerning the economic issues, he was amazed by some of the Town proposals, which, he said, called for the removal of employment security provisions. The removal of sick days, restrictions on shift changes and time off were other points of contention, he said. Lambert said it took the union requesting a No Board Report from the provincial conciliator so it could be in a legal strike position at 12:01 a.m. Feb. 1 to get these considerations off the table. "It escalated to the point where a strike was probably going to occur. We take these things seriously. We don't just flex our muscles to be vain. We didn't want to withdraw our labour because we know how needed it is," he said. "They pushed us to the point where we had to protect ourselves against what they wanted to do to us." Lambert said the union pushed for a four-year collective agreement because they wanted stability for their members and stability for the public. Benefit improvements to massage therapy continued from p.1 averting a possible transit strike that could have come as of Feb. 1. Negotiations with the union, representing 175 Oakville Transit workers, including drivers and maintenance staff, began in December 2013. Town council must still ratify the agreement. "Oakville Transit is a highly-valued service in our community," said Elizabeth Bourns, director of human resources for the Town of 7 | Wednesday, February 5, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com I'm glad we settled the contract, I'm glad our buses are rolling, I'm glad we're looking after people, but for the transit management and some of their supporters at Town Hall, I have a very bitter reflection following this. Willie Lambert continued from p.6 This past year we hosted our first trip to China. We are excited to offer more trips this year -- locations will be determined soon. Celebrating our past and looking towards our future, the chamber recently launched our new Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs Group (YPEG). As an organization, the chamber wants to reach out and connect with and engage our future leaders. We need to tap into the energy and talent of Oakville's young professionals and entrepreneurs. Chamber wants to reach out And we will continue to do what we do best: · Advocate on behalf of our members; · Connect our members with each other and the business community; · Provide member benefits; · Educate our members on business issues and skills; · Hosting business and political leaders. The chamber's mission is to foster a healthy, engaged and sustainable business environment and economy in Oakville. We believe that helps foster a healthy community and healthy living for all residents of Oakville. Unifor Local 1256, bargaining committee chair and eye examination allowances also came from the settlement. Oakville Transit drivers make $26.85 per hour, said the Town's communications director. Town staff stated they would not confirm any of the details of the settlement until council ratified it. "Oakville will see a marked expansion in the life of a four-year agreement and beyond and so a fair-and-square offering is reasonably expected," said Lambert. Do you work or volunteer within the local non-profit sector? STEPHEN DURBIN BA LLB BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR Register Now for United Way Oakville's Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace Date: March 6, 2014 Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm United Way Oakville Spring 2014 Workshop Series What if We Collaborated? Date: April 30, 2014 Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm A LAWYER WHO WILL FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS. FAMILY LAW Highest rated family lawyer in Ontario (January 21, 2014) on lawyerratingz.com The Evolving World of Fundraising Date: May 14, 2014 Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm Two-Part Social Media for Non Profits Series Part One: March 28, 2014 Part Two: April 9, 2014 Time: 9:00am - 1:00pm · Register by Feb ruary 18th for early-bird pricing of $35/workshop · Regular price of $40/workshop · All workshops to be held at Quality Suites, 754 Bronte Road, Oakville Email: info@stephendurbin.ca · 905-847-0888 156 Lakeshore Road East, Suite 203, Oakville To register: www.uwoakville.org/community-workshops www.stephendurbin.ca