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L Page A6 ♦ THE CANADIAN STATESMAN ♦ September 20,2006 durhamregion.com Strike deadline set in ongoing transit talks BY ERIN HATFIELD STAFF WRITER DURHAM - Transit service service could come to a halt in Durham as early as Oct. 5. The Canadian Auto Workers Workers (CAW) union, represent- . ing Durham Region Transit (DRT) workers, and management management have not had much success success negotiating the first collective collective agreement since Durham Durham transit systems merged. "We are just too far apart; we think their proposals will cost the Region too much money," said Garth Johns, Durham's commissioner of human resources. "And they likely think we are being cheap." Both parties came to the bargaining table on May 23 with extensive proposals after local transit systems merged to create DRT Jan. 1. Unit chairman John Johnson said the two sides remain far apart on the issues of employee employee benefits, cost of living adjustment, paid education and part time jobs. "So far, we are still pretty far apart," Mr. Johnson said. "They still are not willing to move on any of the items, so basically talks have been fruitless." There are three dates left to bargain: Sept. 26, Oct. 3 and 4. But, barring a fair and equitable equitable collective agreement, Mr. Johnson said the union is prepared to strike. "It is getting to the point that it has gone on so long, we have to get a collective agreement, agreement, that is what the bargaining bargaining process is all about," Mr. Johnson said. "Hopefully we can come to a collective agreement without service disruption." • A strike would basically shut down transit service across the region with the exception exception of Whitby, where workers workers have an existing contract and are not part of the current negotiations. However, Mr. Johnson said he expects 'transit workers in Whitby would cross over into other parts of Durham Region. Mr. Johns is also hopeful the situation won't lead to a disruption of service. "Hopefully, sometime prior to then, we will have a settlement," settlement," Mr. Johns said. There are contingency plans in place in the case of a strike. Mr. Johns, said the Region hopes to be able to negotiate to keep the specialized service running. "There is not much more we can do if they pull the plug," Mr. Johns said. 23 Years of Excellence & Dedication ;. TliEATEE* Dance "-a i ■ * Acatemi lA_ \olrtl #1 Dance Studio Call today to register! Space is limited. Studios located in: OSHAWA COVRTICE BOWMAMIUÆ Give your child the belt dance experience pouible. Theatre Dance Academ NEW! 10 week Ballroom Starling ^ You too can dance like "Dancing with the Stars". Openings Available in: HIP HOP • PRE DANCE JAZZ CLASS *<■ LeSkrotch PRESENTS DAVID WILCOX if row 200 John St. W.. Unit C1 905.438.0008 to friends and patients to join us in celebrating the Retirement of Christine Suess, (Nurse Suess) Sat. 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