Friday, January 9, 2009

Federal mediator steps back in

CTV reports:
A federal mediator will meet separately with city officials and the striking transit union on Monday, in hopes of restarting contract negotiations and ending a 31-day crippling shutdown in the nation's capital.
Other bits in the report:
  • Organized shuttles, such as those operated by colleges and universities, already have approval to use the [Transitway].
  • And people who have lost their job due to the strike, or are at risk of unemployment, are eligible for two weeks of emergency funding from the city. Interested residents should call 311 for more information.
  • an increased Para Transpo capacity by leasing additional vehicles and hiring temporary drivers;
  • a $200,000 fund to assist community agencies with emergency transportation;
  • an effort with the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) to provide clients with up-front benefits for transportation costs
  • a partial reinbursement for December bus passes at any city client service centre, beginning next week. The specific date has not been released.

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