Public transit workers strike continues to cause transport problems in Ottawa

Public transit workers in Ottawa overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract, prolonging a strike that has caused significant transportation delays since 10 December 2008. City officials are expected to ask the federal government to declare the OC Transpo public transit system an essential service, and force the workers back to work. The dispute stems from disagreements over seniority and scheduling issues. Travellers should continue to expect significant transportation delays until the situation is resolved. It is not yet clear when negotiations between OC Transpo and the union will resume.