Winnipeg Transit is warning bus riders to expect delays Friday morning due to job action by its drivers.

The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505, which represents about 1,000 bus drivers and 250 maintenance workers in Winnipeg, has rejected the city's latest contract offer and is in an immediate strike position.

The union told its members to report for their regular shifts, but to refuse overtime starting on Friday. Some drivers put in more than 2½ hours of overtime every day due to a shortage of drivers and illness, union officials said.

Winnipeg Transit head Dave Wardrop said overtime hours keep city buses running during peak times, but ATU's action means the won't have enough drivers for all buses.

As a result, about 15 to 20 buses will not run Friday morning, Wardrop said Thursday afternoon.

Wardrop said Winnipeg Transit would post information about affected routes on its website.

The afternoon commute should not be affected, he said.

Union members voted against the city's second contract offer 640 to 349 Wednesday afternoon. Major contract issues include wages and working conditions.

As the drivers' job action continues, the city will examine its options in the dispute, Wardrop said, an answer he repeated when asked whether a lockout is possible.

If the union withdraws services entirely, Winnipeggers should be prepared to make alternate travel plans, including car pooling, walking or biking, Wardrop said. Handi-Transit service is expected to continue as usual.

Winnipeg Transit moves more than 130,000 people each weekday, city officials said.

The last transit strike in Winnipeg was in the winter of 1976. It dragged on for 1½ months.