Shown left, supporters and representatives from Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 615 outside City Hall, and shown right (left to right), North Battleford Mayor David Gillan, Battlefords Transit bus driver Allan Medd, City Manager Randy Patrick and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 615 president Darcy Pederson at Tuesday's meeting. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

Meeting with Mayor

ATU Local 615 raises concerns for Battlefords Transit workers

May 11, 2022 | 9:00 AM

Transport labour was front and center in North Battleford on Tuesday.

Supporters and representatives from Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 615 of Saskatoon raised concerns about Battlefords Transit System (BTS) workers’ needs and right to unionize at a gathering at City Hall.

ATU said in a statement the union has filed an unfair labour practice charge against the BTS, which is currently being heard at the Saskatchewan Labour Board.

As well, ATU stated: “BTS management has threatened the workers in written correspondence for taking action to organize their workplace.”

Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 615 president Darcy Pederson wants to see improved compensation for BTS workers.

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He said the bus drivers are “paid barely more than minimum wage, receive zero health or retirement benefits and are not given any paid sick days.”

The Local 615 group had an impromptu meeting with the City of North Battleford to discuss the need to improve wages and benefits for BTS workers.

North Battleford Mayor David Gillan and City Manager Randy Patrick heard their concerns in a private meeting with Pederson and Battlefords Transit System bus driver Allan Medd in council chambers.

North Battleford Public Transit is funded by the City of North Battleford. These buses are operated by Battlefords Transit System, which also operates Battlefords Handi-Bus. The Battlefords Handi-Bus is jointly funded by the city and town.

However, on the issue of the municipality’s role, Gillan and Patrick related the city is not responsible for Battlefords Transit System’s operations. While one of the city councillors sits on the board, the city is not involved in management or policy for the organization.

“The City of North Battleford does not employ transit workers; rather they are employed by Battlefords Transit System,” Patrick stated.

Labour Board issue

Patrick said that the city does not interfere in another organization’s labour-related issues, adding that the city is aware the ATU and BTS are currently involved with the Saskatchewan Labour Board to settle their disagreements.

Gillan echoed Patrick’s sentiments, that the city is not responsible for making decisions related to these matters.

“For us as a council we are very concerned, but we don’t have all the facts either,” Gillan said. “We’re waiting for this to resolve itself as well.”

Medd took the opportunity to mention that all the transit drivers, whether pro union or anti union, love working with the public and enjoy their work.

Patrick suggested the group meet with the Battlefords Transit System board and management directly to discuss their concerns.

After the meeting at City Hall, Pederson said he was glad to have a chance to sit down with the city to get more information on the issue.

“What I would say is that the meeting went well, and out of it we are going to be finding out how we can get in front of the [BTS] board themselves,” Pederson said. “We have been in front of the mayor and city manager. We should have an email by the end of the day with the process and who to contact about getting in front of the [BTS] board, and when their next meeting is.”

With Amalgamated Transit Union International, Darrah Teitel, who helped organize the gathering, said ATU will continue to raise awareness of the issue with the public.

“We’re going to be flyering and leafletting as many public places as we can over the next couple of days to make sure that the public knows what is being done in their name, because this is public money,” she said.

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW