The labour problems at Greyhound Canada have resulted in the bus and parcel transportation provider to cease services in most of Western Canada as of midnight Thursday.
Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union rejected the current offer as talks broke down on Wednesday night, they had previously issued a 72 hour strike notice on Monday.
Greyhound offers daily service in and out of Prince Rupert along Highway 16 to Prince George. The cessation of service starting Friday, will leave many in the Northwest looking for alternative travel arrangements on the Victoria Day long weekend.
Greyhound Canada suspends service in West
Canadian Press
May 17, 2007 at 11:49 PM EDT
CALGARY — Greyhound Canada has announced it is temporarily suspending passenger and parcel delivery services at midnight in Western Canada due to a labour dispute.
The move will affect service within British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
It will also affect service between Winnipeg and Toronto as well as Winnipeg and Ottawa, said Brad Shephard, senior vice-president of Greyhound.
"This current situation is unfortunate, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience it is creating for our customers," Mr. Shephard said in a release Thursday night.
Passengers scheduled to travel through or within the affected area may hold their tickets for future travel or turn them in for a refund, he said.
Greyhound said it will continue to operate service in Southern Ontario, as well as on Vancouver Island with Island Coach Lines.
A company proposal to the Amalgamated Transit Union last week was rejected by a majority of its members.
Talks between management and the union ended Wednesday without a deal.
Greyhound Canada employs about 1,200 unionized motor coach drivers, mechanics, ticket handlers, bus loaders, terminal maintenance and courier parcel staff.
The union gave the company 72-hour strike notice on Monday.
The main issues in the dispute are wages, working conditions and contracting out.
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