Acadian Lines could go on strike after Nov. 21.
The bus line’s drivers, maintenance workers, customer services representatives and mechanics have been without a contract since Dec. 31.
Last week, 98 per cent of the workers – who are members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1229 in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island – voted to strike.
Denise Sirios, a spokeswoman for Acadian Lines, said bus service would likely be interrupted if the workers went on strike.
“Obviously the service will be disturbed but we don’t have any plan at this point,” Sirios said. “We’re really working to come to an agreement with our employees.”
For students like Holly MacLellan, a fourth-year St. Thomas University student who calls Halifax home, an Acadian Lines strike would be a “pain in the butt.”
“I wouldn’t be able to get home. I’d have to either get my parents to come up and get me or rent a car or something I guess.”
Glen Carr, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1229, said the main sticking points between the two parties are wages, seniority and pension benefits.
“The way the talks have been going, they haven’t been going very good,” Carr said.
Acadian Lines nearly went on strike in 2008 over the same issues, Carr said, but a deal was reached at the eleventh hour.
“We’re not looking for a lot of money. We’re looking for the cost of living,” Carr said.
The two sides will negotiate again this week in Moncton.
