PRESS RELEASE - Guelph Transit Gets Their Concessions

This story broke just before Christmas, an inordinately busy time under the best of circumstances, but it's an important story just the same given the events of 2014. Following up to the agreement reached last summer between the City of Guelph and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1189, Guelph Transit workers now have their linchroom at Guelph Central Station, and continuous access to washrooms at the University Centre (even when it's closed). Not for nothing, but was that so hard, City of Guelph?

Here's the press release from the City of Guelph:

Guelph, ON, December 24, 2014 – As of December 21, Guelph Transit employees have access to a new lunchroom at Guelph Central Station and year-round washroom access at the University Centre.

As a result of the agreement between the City of Guelph and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1189, ratified on August 5, 2014, the City committed to improving working conditions for Transit employees. The commitment included adding a climate-controlled lunchroom at Guelph Central Station, and providing drivers with uninterrupted access to washroom facilities at the University of Guelph, including when the university is closed.

“We are pleased with our growing partnership with ATU Local 1189, and we are happy we could address our employee’s concerns over the holiday season,” said Phil Meagher, general manager of Guelph Transit. “The University of Guelph has again shown that it is a great partner for transit in our city, and we thank them for accommodating our requests.”

Secure washroom access for drivers is available in Mountain Hall, east of the bus loop at the University Centre. Access is being provided on a trial period and will be evaluated next year by the University to see if it will continue.

“We are continuing to work with the management team at the City of Guelph to address the needs of our union members and ensure quality working conditions at all times of the year,” said Andy Cleary, ATU Local 1189 president. “We thank the Guelph Transit management team and the University of Guelph for being so responsive to the needs of our drivers this season.”

The Guelph Central Station lunchroom, located between platforms 18 and 22, requires keypad access and is open to Guelph Transit employees only.