January 01, 2008

Presentation of Final Offer of Settlement

To: Members of ATU Local 279

From: General Manager, Transit Services

I would like to take the opportunity to advise you of the details of the City's final offer of settlement presented to your Amalgamated Transit Union Local 279 bargaining team. The City believes that this offer balances recognition of the valuable contribution that you provide everyday with the capacity for taxpayers and Transit users to pay. In doing so, the City feels that this final offer is both fair and reasonable.

This final offer was presented to your bargaining team on Sunday and is on the table for acceptance until 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2008. I am sharing it with you now because I feel you should know what the City has offered.

In particular, we have been receiving questions about management's scheduling proposal and what it means. I want you to know that the changes being proposed by management will still allow workers to book quarterly, in accordance with their seniority, and therefore to work the daily schedule that suits their preferences. Further details on this proposal are contained below.

As we all know, we are entering turbulent economic times and this offer represents what the City can afford while providing you with fair economic increases over the next three years. It includes significant improvements to sick leave, WSIB pay and benefit plans. We have also included a generous one-time payment to all ATU 279 members in recognition of the improved productivity that will be achieved through scheduling adjustments.

You should know that this offer has been presented in recognition of the valuable service provided by ATU 279 members as well as what taxpayers and transit users can afford.

Highlights of the City's Final Offer:

Salary Impacts

3% retroactive to April 1, 2008, 2% on April 1, 2009, and 2% on April 1, 2010. Pay progression for garage attendants will only apply to future hires.

Productivity Improvement Supplement

One time payment of $2000.00 to be paid following ratification.

Sick Leave

Increase uncertified sick leave to 8 days per year. Further, employees would now be able to bank any unused sick leave up to 12 uncertified days per year.

Scheduling

While we are proposing expansion of mixed odd work to weekdays for operators, we are committing to recovery time between all trips. We are also proposing more straight runs (up to 10 hours) as a means to provide more days off for operators. In order to ensure that concerns raised around the issue of run-cutting are heard, we are offering to pay a representative of ATU 279 to work with us on a full-time basis for the next 18 months. Operators will continue to book their daily work and their seniority rights will be respected.

Hours of Service

Limits to hours of work to 14 hours per day with a minimum of 8 hours rest daily. All operators to rest one full day per bi-weekly period. This change is consistent with the voluntary proposal described in the summer.

Contracting Out

Continuing to protect the existing rights under the collective agreement, and the introduction of a consultation process that encourages collaboration with your Union in contracting out matters.

Benefits and Other Payments

• Increase paramedical benefits to a combined total of $1000/year for an increase to the employee paid premium of $1.00 per week.
• Semi-Private coverage for rehab facilities.
• All employees who qualify for WSIB will get an 85% top-up (net salary) based on 80 hrs bi-weekly.
• 2 week waiting period for maternity leave paid at 93%. This previously was not paid.
• Increase in bereavement leave from 4 to 5 days for immediate family.
• Addition of 3-in-1 jacket for Operators/Dispatchers/Messengers.
• Payment of full tuition fees for apprentices.
• Tool allowance increased from $385 to $400/year and more specialty tools will be provided.
• Boot allowance increased from $120 to $125 for 2010 and $130 for 2011.
• Medical and trade examination reimbursement increased to $90 from $65.

I thank you for taking the time to review this final offer and I trust that this message has provided you with an understanding of the issues being discussed at the bargaining table.

Our industry is moving into a challenging and exciting time as we face rising demands and increasing costs. In order for us to continue to grow our service, and our organization, we must be both innovative and collaborative. So far, we have been moving in the right direction: Our most recent customer survey results show a 13% increase in customer satisfaction - up to 76%.

In closing, I want to thank you for all your hard work and I remain hopeful that your bargaining team will accept this final offer in the spirit in which it is made - a sincere appreciation of our employees' contribution to our success in providing Ottawa with a world class transit system.

Regards,

Alain Mercier

General Manager

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