Transit riders in Ontario are being advised to plan a back-up commute for Monday as bus drivers from several different companies prepare to go on strike.
Bus drivers serving Richmond Hill, Markham, Georgina, Aurora and Newmarket rejected fresh contract offers from their employers on Thursday.
GO Transit, which serves regions across the province, is also involved in the labour dispute.
The union representing the drivers says the employees are ready to walk off the job unless a last-minute compromise is reached.
"Union members will accommodate our passengers until the end of business on October 23rd," reads a statement on the website for Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1587.
The drivers threatening to strike are employees of First Union, Miller Transit and Metrolinx — the latter operates GO Transit.
While a potential strike time of 12:01 a.m. on Monday has been set, the union has said it will "bargain in good faith with the respective employers in an attempt to avoid this strike action."
Transit companies that serve York Region have started warning riders about the potential disruption.
GO Transit has warned that trains will still be operating but bus service could be cancelled on Monday.
The agency is encouraging commuters to monitor the situation by:
- Visiting their website
- Calling 416-869-3200 or 1-888-438-6646
York Region Transit and its integrated Viva service have told customers that, in the event of a strike, staff members will make themselves available at terminals on Monday morning to help commuters plan alternate trips.
If a strike occurs, several YRT/VIVA services may be affected, including:
- 51 YRT routes in Markham, Richmond Hill and Whitchurch-Stouffville, with some routes in the City of Vaughan.
- 29 YRT routes in Newmarket and Aurora with some routes in Richmond Hill, East Gwillimbury and Georgina
- Five Viva routes in Markham, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Newmarket and Vaughan
Maintenance workers contracted by YRT and Viva are also involved in the bargaining.
ATU Local 113 is representing maintenance workers and several Viva bus drivers.
York Region bus drivers are among the lowest paid in the Greater Toronto Area, according to a representative from ATU Local 113.