The City of Ottawa and the transit union will return to the negotiating table on Saturday morning.
After several hours behind closed doors, city council formed a plan they hope will form the beginning of the end of the OC Transpo strike.
"Council is fully behind the negotiating team," said Mayor Larry O'Brien. "It was a good discussion today but it was a very solid show of support."
The city won't say what offer will be made to the Amalgamated Transit Union this weekend, only that there are no preconditions, including driver scheduling. And city council won't be making public comments during the talks, creating a media blackout.
"Anytime you're talking there's the possibility of a settlement," said Councillor Bob Monette, who tentatively supports the city's negotiating plan but was tight-lipped about details.
If a deal comes, OC Transpo buses probably won't be running until late next week. There would be limited service for the first two days before the system is fully operational, according to the city. Union members would also have to ratify before drivers and mechanics return to work.
The decision to return to the bargaining table came after a Thursday meeting between O'Brien and union vice-president Randy Graham.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's John Hua
