Despite the threat of a strike, both the union representing some GO Transit workers and the provincial agency that operates the regional transit service say they are committed to reaching a negotiated settlement.

"Our commitment to the public … is we are willing to negotiate for as long as it takes to get a fair and equitable agreement on behalf of the members," Ray Doyle, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1587, told CTV News on Wednesday.

GO Transit's collective agreement with the union expired on June 1. If a settlement can't be reached, a possible strike could begin on Sept. 19.  The union has started the process that could lead to job action.

Metrolinx, the provincial agency that operates GO Transit, said it is committed to a negotiated settlement with Local 1587. But it won't talk about the reported stumbling block of a two-year wage freeze.

"The negotiations are not dependent on one condition. Labour negotiations are confidential. GO does not negotiate in public about labour matters or the issues being discussed at the table," it said Wednesday in an emailed statement.

"We are hopeful that a negotiated settlement can be reached and that a labour disruption can be avoided," the agency said in a separate statement. 

On Tuesday, Doyle said in a news release that a strike would "most definitely happen" if there is no wage increase.

He said GO wants any money for a wage increase to be taken out of existing benefits costs.

"It's an absolutely unreasonable position," Doyle said. "There's more money for management but not one cent for the workers."

The union represents 1,530 workers at GO -- bus drivers (650), coach technicians, service personnel plus office and professional staff.

If there is a strike, it would be the first involving GO Transit workers as members of Local 1587.

GO Transit said if there is a labour disruption, bus service would be affected but not train service. GO operates seven train lines and 359 buses. The buses operate more than 2,000 trips every weekday.

"If a labour disruption is imminent, we will widely communicate any updates to customers, the public and the media through the GO Transit website, E-News messages, the media and the Contact Centre," it said.

The union also represents workers with two companies in York Region -- Miller Transit and First Student. The Miller collective agreement expired on March 31. The First Student one expired on Jan. 31.

Those private companies are under contract to York Regional Transit. The union represents workers who operate and maintain the buses.

The union said a strike involving those two companies is also possible. Doyle said its members' wages in York region are well behind those of other employers.

Rick Leary, York Regional Transit's general manager, said all he knows is that negotiations are currently taking place between the two companies and Local 1587.

"There's no indication a strike is going to occur in York region," he said.