SASKATOON - More cars, cabs and cyclists are expected on Saskatoon's streets after the city locked out unionized transit workers on the weekend.
The lockout began Saturday night after negotiators failed to reach a contract settlement for 330 drivers and 50 support staff, who are members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 615.
Local school boards sent warnings to families last week about a possible transit disruption, while about 11,000 University of Saskatchewan students who rely on buses to get around were left scrambling to make alternate transportation arrangements.
The lockout does not affect Access Transit, which is considered an essential service.
The union wants a 22.25 per cent wage increase over five years to bring its member up to average levels for other transit workers in Western Canada, while the city had countered with an offer of 10 per cent over four years.
A special meeting of city council was to be held Monday to discuss pension changes for transit and eight other unions. (CKOM, CJWW)