The union representing OC Transpo drivers, dispatchers and mechanics says it won't begin negotiations with the city on a new contract until scheduling conflicts leftover from the last collective agreement — and the bitter strike that preceded it — are resolved.

ATU local 279 acting president Mike Aldrich said OC Transpo management continues to act without union input when devising schedules. (CBC)

The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 279 said in a letter to Transit Commission head Diane Deans that OC Transpo's decision to post a new April 2011 schedule for drivers without union input was unilateral and ignored previous direction from an arbitration board.

ATU Local 279 acting president Mike Aldrich said an arbitration board that looked into a number of simmering issues in the aftermath of the bitter 54-day strike two years ago had directed management to work with the union to draft scheduling provisions.

At the time the sides couldn't agree how bus drivers would be assigned or how long their shifts would be.

"Frankly, it is a 'joke' to suggest that this latest [schedule] put forward by OC Transpo is in any way compliant [with the direction of the board]," wrote Aldrich.

With a new mayor and council promising improved labour relations, the union and management were scheduled to begin contract talks before the current contract expires at the end of March.

"The latest proposal by management ...sends a signal that despite public statements of goodwill this next round of negotiations is going to be protracted, difficult and even more contentious than the last round," said Aldrich.

In an interview with CBC News, Aldrich said he's finding it increasingly difficult to work with OC Transpo management. He would not use the word 'strike.'

"I won't say the word because I don't believe in the word," he said. "I believe in negotiating. I believe in working with people, not working against people."

The city did not repond to the union Friday.