NEWMARKET, Ont. - Striking transit workers in York Region are planning a mass rally Thursday at York Region headquarters in Newmarket.

The rally is the first public event staged by the union since the strike began early Monday morning.

Amalgamated Transit Union locals represent nearly 600 drivers and maintenance workers at York Region Transit and Viva.

The union says the main issue is the wage and benefits gap between the York Region workers and other GTA transit workers.