Union members have voted to pull service at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday if they don't have a contract by then. (CBC)

A transit strike is likely after negotiations broke off between the City of Ottawa and the city's transit union less than two days before the strike deadline of 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.

On Monday afternoon, the Amalgamated Transit Union rejected what the city called its "final offer" to more than 2,200 OC Transpo drivers, dispatchers and maintenance staff who comprise Local 279. Union members have been without a contract since March 31.

At a news conference, Mayor Larry O'Brien said the city is "perplexed" that the union did not accept this "very fair offer."

Alain Mercier, head of OC Transpo, said the city had offered drivers:

• A salary increase of 3 per cent in the first year of the contract and 2 per cent increases in each of the next two years.
• Eight days of "uncertified" sick leave, up from six.
• "Fair and respectful language" with respect to contracting out.
• An attempt to resolve scheduling issues.

But union president Andre Cornellier said the city and the union are "still far apart."

"There wasn't the possibility for an agreement right now," he added.

Cornellier said union members want at least 10 sick days, as that is what other municipal employees get, and want the right to choose their shifts based on seniority, rather than being assigned by managers.

Cornellier said the union is still open to further talks should the city decide to come back to the table.

O'Brien said the city will try and talk to union members directly about its offer in an effort to avert a strike.

Earlier in the day, the mayor had said the city's offer to the workers is fair, and the union is lucky it was drafted several months ago.

"Had we been making that offer today, I don't think it would be the same offer," he said. "I think now, based on what we've seen with the economy, that offer is more than fair."

City issued strike plan

Last week, the city released its plan in case of a strike:

• OC Transpo buses and the O-train will not be running, and OC Transpo sales centres will be closed.
• People who have bought OC Transpo transit passes will receive credits toward future passes, and ECOPASS subscribers will also be credited.
• OC Transpo park and ride lots will be available for carpooling.
• Drivers will be allowed to park all day at one-, two- and three-hour unmetered parking spaces.
• Drivers will be allowed to use bus-only lanes on Albert and Slater streets, Mackenzie King Bridge, Montreal Road, Woodroffe Avenue and Rideau Street east of King Edward Avenue.

All other Ottawa traffic and parking regulations, including those concerning metered parking and tow-away zones, would remain in effect.

Gatineau's STO (Société de Transport de L'Outaouais) service will continue, as will Ottawa's Para Transpo for the disabled, although Para Transpo customers will face delays.

Last week, union members voted 98 per cent in favour of a strike.

The union said the main unresolved issues are sick leave and contracting out work.