The City of Saskatoon plans to comply with a labour board ruling ordering an end to the transit lockout.
The Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board ruled Friday the city unlawfully locked out over 300 transit workers — represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 615 — on Sept. 20. The city was ordered to cease and desist the lockout and to pay compensation to drivers.
City officials said shortly after the ruling they were disappointed with the decision but, just before 7 p.m., the city tweeted it would comply with the ruling.
The labour board ruled the city unlawfully locked out bus drivers because a complaint, regarding the discipline of a city bus driver, was outstanding when the lockout notice was issued. The board also stated changes the city made to the union's benefits, privileges and conditions of employment during the pending complaint were unlawful.
Bus drivers picketing outside City Hall were ecstatic when they heard the ruling. Many expressed their desire to get back to work.
The city was surprised.
"We are surprised and disappointed at the labour board's ruling," city solicitor Patricia Warwick said. "Unfortunately today’s ruling is also another distraction. It gets us no closer to solving any of the contract issues and in fact, the ruling has serious long-term implications.”
The city will meet with the transit union Saturday to discuss how best to implement the labour board order, the city’s tweet read.
The amount transit workers will be compensated has yet to be determined.
Transit workers have been without a contract since December 2012.
The complaint that was before the board when transit workers were locked was resolved Oct. 3.
