News Release
Transit talks impasse: “It is about the money"
(Thursday, February 9, 2012) - HRM's bargaining team returned to the table Wednesday with representatives for the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 508 and the conciliator, but the union would not budge on its $10 million proposal. Talks reached an impasse.
“Our residents are anxious to see buses and ferries back in service and believe an affordable resolution to this work stoppage should be reached,” said Mayor Peter Kelly. “Residents are the ones negatively impacted and feeling the brunt of this continued work stoppage.”
In accordance with the revised mandate provided by Council yesterday, HRM today tabled a new proposal that includes a lump sum payment equivalent to 2.5 per cent of wages in the first year, a 3 per cent wage increase in the second year, and a 2 per cent wage increase in the third year. The wage increases would be offset by efficiencies gained through an improved scheduling system—known as ‘rostering’—that would reduce excessive overtime costs by packaging work in week-long blocks, as well as through wage restructuring for incoming transit operators.
The latest union proposal contains wage increases of 2.5 percent, 3 percent, 2.75 percent,, and no changes to the current scheduling practice, which allows transit operators to choose each shift they work in a week and leads to 80-100 shifts per week that need to be filled largely with overtime. Wage restructuring for new operators was also rejected.
"Getting back to the table and making real progress towards a solution will only happen if ATU is sincerely willing to work with HRM to find ways to be more efficient," said Metro Transit Director Eddie Robar. “Make no mistake: contrary to ATU's claims, it is about the money."With the savings from rostering and stepped-in wage increases for new transit operators, HRM's offer is valued at $2.1 million - $6.7 million less than the proposal tabled by the ATU.
“Residents realize that there are only three ways to recover transit costs: operational efficiencies, the fare box, and on the backs of taxpayers. HRM cannot agree to terms that would further unduly increase the tax burden of residents,” said Mayor Kelly. “HRM taxpayers already pay more than 50 percent of the current transit costs, which represents an annual investment of more than $36 million.”
Metro Transit customers are advised to check the Metro Transit portion of the HRM website at www.halifax.ca/metrotransit for updated information. Information will also be shared by @hfxtransit on Twitter and through the HRM call centre at 490-4000.
Metro Transit is the primary transportation service provider in HRM and the largest transit system in Atlantic Canada, comprised of over 300 buses and three ferries. In addition to its conventional fixed route system with 61 routes, including the premium MetroLink and MetroX services, it operates three Community Transit routes, the harbour ferry service and the door-to-door Access-A-Bus service for persons with disabilities.
Contact:
Tiffany Chase
HRM Corporate Communications
490-5057
Looking for another way to travel during the strike?
www.hrmsmarttrip.ca
In response to the service disruption with regard to Metro Transit, I would like to remind residents that the lower parking lot in Point Pleasant Park is available for parking free of charge during the day. The size of the lot will allow for many cars, and its proximity to downtown allows for commuters to park there, and walk to their downtown destinations.
Novalea Drive Community Policing Office Closed After 4 Years
The Novalea Drive Community Policing Office closed recently. It was intended to increase police visibility and enhance community accessibility in the North End. The office has seen limited citizen use, and after four-years, Halifax Regional Police decided to close the office and employ a more efficient approach to engaging with north-end citizens in our neighbourhood.
HRP remain committed to serving the North End. Community Response Officer Cst. Ian Burke will remain the focal point of contact for area residents. Cst. Burke will be provided with a marked vehicle to act as a mobile office from which he can reach the entire community. He can be contacted by email at burkei@halifax.ca or phone at 478-6929.
You can still access police services in-person by visiting the nearby Mulgrave Park Community Policing Office, 123 Jarvis Lane; the Uniacke Square Community Policing Office, 2439 Olympic Court; the Central Division Community Office at Halifax Shopping Centre, or Halifax Regional Police Headquarters, 1975 Gottingen Street.
2012 HRM Citizen Survey Underway
Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) recently launched its 2012 Citizen Survey. The survey is conducted to gather feedback from residents, measure performance and help guide strategic policy and planning decisions.
Letters to 13,000 HRM residents were sent out. This randomly selected sample of residents, proportionally representative of households from districts across the municipality, was chosen using HRM’s civic addressing database.
The survey can be completed online, in written form, or over the telephone. It asks a diverse range of questions about quality of life, recreation, leisure, safety, community infrastructure and the environment.
The last HRM Citizen Survey was conducted in 2010. Results were used to assist Regional Council in planning and allocating resources for the years ahead.
Nova Insights, an independent local market research firm, was chosen to conduct the survey and collect and manage responses. Final survey results and assessments will be shared with all HRM residents.
For more information on the 2012 HRM Citizens Survey, visit www.halifax.ca/citizensurvey.
 
 Universal Accessibility Study -- Public Consultation Sessions
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