Striking driving examiners reject new offer
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 | 7:56 PM ET
CBC News
Ontario's striking driving examiners have rejected the latest offer from their employer, Serco DES Inc.
United Steelworkers Local 9511 said 78 per cent of DriveTest workers who voted on the offer Wednesday have rejected it.
"After 12 weeks of this unnecessary strike, this vote will send a strong message to Serco DES Inc.," union president Jim Young said a Wednesday statement.
"We can only hope that Serco will finally listen to their employees, quit playing counter-productive games and negotiate a fair contract so the citizens of Ontario can get the quality service they deserve."
The union, which had urged workers to reject the offer, is urging the company to return to the bargaining table.
The strike, which began in August, affects 93 full-time and part-time DriveTest sites, which grant or renew licences to novice drivers and those over 80.
The stoppage doesn't affect those who need to renew their licence without taking a test. Those people can renew their licences at Ontario Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Offices.
Serco DES won a $114-million contract with the Ontario government in 2003 to provide driver examination services for 10 years.
According to the union, one of the main issues is job security, as many employees work long hours in the summer and then are laid off in the winter.
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