Union suggests hundreds of OC Transpo drivers, mechanics may not be vaccinated by Nov. 1 deadline
Ottawa's largest transit union warns 400 to 500 OC Transpo workers could face suspension next month for failing to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
The city of Ottawa's vaccination policy requires all employees, contractors, students and volunteers at the city to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1.
The Amalgamated Transit Union, which represents OC Transpo drivers, dispatchers and mechanics, says many of its members may not be vaccinated by the deadline.
"It's not only the operators, it is maintenance so that is going to have an impact on service as well as bus operators and Para Transpo operators as well," said Clint Crabtree, president of ATU Local 279.
The ATU filed a grievance with the city of Ottawa over the mandatory vaccination policy.
"As a union, we're protecting the rights of our members and our concern is that it's being forced on our members that don't want to receive it for various reasons," said Crabtree.
During Wednesday's council meeting, Coun. Carol Anne Meehan said she heard that 20 per cent of drivers would be unable to work due to their vaccination status, which could cause disruptions with the transit service.
Meehan asked staff if there was a plan in place to ensure there will be no disruptions in transit service.
"We are working closely with Ottawa Public Health," said Acting OC Transpo General Manager Michael Morgan, noting employees now can upload their vaccination status.
"We are planning on using that to essentially inform and understand what the impacts are going to be after Nov. 1, if any. At this point, early indication is we don't believe there's going to be."
Morgan says it will have a better understanding on a possible impact to service on Nov. 1.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.