Transit to recall 100 drivers from layoff

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This article was published 12/06/2020 (2086 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ONE hundred laid-off Winnipeg Transit drivers will soon return to work, but service won’t be restored to a normal level just yet.

The city confirmed 30 drivers will return on June 14, followed by 40 on June 21; and 30 more on June 28.

“Winnipeg Transit is recalling 100 operators who were laid off temporarily due to reductions in ridership levels and revenue experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” wrote Transit spokeswoman Megan Benedictson, in an emailed statement.

She indicated that decision wasn’t meant to immediately support a return to pre-pandemic service frequency.

“The decision to recall these drivers was made in anticipation of an upcoming increase in vacation periods for operators, in order to maintain current service levels,” she wrote.

The city cited plummeting Transit revenue when it temporarily laid off 253 drivers and cut weekday service to an “enhanced Saturday” schedule in May.

Benedictson said Transit is still assessing when a return to regular bus service and full staffing could occur.

The union that represents bus drivers said it’s still pushing for the full reversal of the pandemic cuts.

“It’s good news (to see some jobs restored) but not the most optimal news. The city is opening up and there’s still (bus) runs out there that are completely crowded,” said James Van Gerwen, vice-president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505. Van Gerwen said demand has increased notably since May, with some drivers reporting they now sometimes pass by passengers when their rush-hour buses are too full.

— Joyanne Pursaga