Union takes STC closure to the courts

The union representing STC employees is in court to try and stop the closure of the provincial bus company.

Lawyers for the Amalgamated Transit Union attended Regina’s Court of Queen’s Bench Thursday to seek an injunction.

They are arguing that winding down STC violates both the Crown Protection Ownership Act and Canada labour codes.

The provincial government announced in its latest budget STC would wind down by May 31. The decision means job losses for 224 people.

The injunction would keep STC open until all provisions of the act have been met.

Lawyers for government insist this is not a sale or privatization but simply a closure of the company. 

The union is arguing the Crown Protection Act prevents the government from privatizing a Crown, STC is one of the Crowns listed. #skpoli

— Sarah Mills (@smillsSK) May 18, 2017

Secondly the union argues the Act states government must give at least three weeks notice in the media. #skpoli

— Sarah Mills (@smillsSK) May 18, 2017

Finally there are standards under the Canada Labour Code that deal with mass termination that the union argues gov has not followed. #skpoli

— Sarah Mills (@smillsSK) May 18, 2017

Union wants to see STC continue, business as usual, with gov funding, until such time as the Act has been met & public input sought. #skpoli

— Sarah Mills (@smillsSK) May 18, 2017

A decision could be several days away.