Transit union seeks injunction to keep STC

The union that represents Saskatchewan Transportation Company workers says it is seeking an injunction to stop the provincial government from shutting down the Crown-owned bus service.

The Amalgamated Transit Union says it has filed its request and will be in Regina Court of Queen’s Bench on Thursday to make its arguments.

Eric Carr, president of A-T-U Local 1374, says the government did not follow the proper procedure in announcing the shutdown of the service.

“We are filing for an immediate injunction to say stop the closure of STC,” said Carr. “Then further there’s another part of it to say listen, we don’t think it should be closed at all.”

He hopes the judge will rule in favour of the 224 people who stand to lose their jobs and people in communities who depend on the bus service.

Kathy Young, a government spokeswoman, says the province has the authority to wind up S-T-C.

The Saskatchewan government has said it would cost 85 million dollars to keep the Crown corporation running for the next five years.

It announced the shutdown in its provincial budget in March.

The budget also included cuts and tax hikes to help deal with a forecasted deficit caused in part to a drop in revenue from oil, natural gas, potash and uranium.

Carr says several organizations are expected to file affidavits in support of the union’s bid for an injunction.

(The Canadian Press)