Moncton, union meet with mediator in bus lockout

Moncton and the union representing about 90 locked out bus workers have wrapped up the first day of talks with a mediator.

The meeting with resume Tuesdayin hopes of ending the work stoppage.

The sides haven't had any discussions since April, when the Amalgamated Transit Union workers voted to strike.

The city locked out drivers, service workers and mechanics a week and a half ago. Codiac Transpo bus service hasnt run in Moncton since the lockout.

George Turple, a Amalgamated Transit Union spokesperson, said he wants the talks to move forward, but comments by city spokesman Paul Thompson have him concerned.

"We are optimistic. We're trying to stay encouraged. But I was a little discouraged this morning when I heard Mr. Thomson's comments concerning the previous offerand that was the final offer and that they stated the next offer would be less," he said.

"So if they're stating that already then obviously they're not coming to the table in good faith to try and reach an agreement with us."

The city's last offer to the transit workers contained a 13.75 per cent wage increase over five years.

That deal would have been retroactive to July 2010 and it contained improved health and dental benefits. The citys offer would have brought a bus drivers annual salary to $51,000 in 2015.

The union was asking for a 23 per cent wage increase over five years.

That would have brought a Codiac Transpo bus driver's annual salary to $55,120 in 2015, according to the city.