The head of the union local that represents Guelph Transit drivers has fired back at what he calls "challenging" remarks made by Mayor Cam Guthrie earlier this week.
"For the Mayor to suggest during negotiations that the membership is complicit in any type of job action is untrue and unfounded," said Andrew Cleary, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1189.
"If this is truly what management at city hall believes, it is the union's position they should file a complaint with the Ministry of labour," Cleary said.
On Monday, Guthrie told GuelphToday that he believes the issues surrounding cancelled buses that have been plaguing Guelph Transit since last month's route reallignment are related to the current ongoing contract negotiations between the union and city.
“I believe a lot of the issues that are occurring right now with transit are around the union contract that is being negotiated right now,” Guthrie said Monday.
Cleary flatly denied the allegation.
"The membership of Amalgamated Transit Union takes great pride in service we provide. The executive of Amalgamated Transit remain committed to reaching a fair and equitable contract for its members."
