The City of Saskatoon’s second transit lockout would have been legal, according to a document released Wednesday by the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board.
The bus drivers’ union stated shortly after a second lockout notice was issued last week that another lockout would be illegal because of unfair labour practice applications before the board. The union said neither the city or bus drivers were in a position to take action — either in terms of a lockout or a strike.
The board, however, stated in the document it was satisfied there were no pending unfair labour grievances that could deem a second lockout unlawful.
The city’s first lockout of more than 300 bus drivers Sept. 20 was ruled unlawful Friday because of an outstanding unfair labour practice — which has since been resolved.
The city issued a second lockout notice shortly after the labour board ruling but withdrew the notice the next day.
Busses were back on Saskatoon streets Monday.
The board ruled last week the city must pay compensation to bus drivers. Wednesday’s document clarified the city must compensate drivers for two of the four weeks they were locked out.
