The President of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 616 hopes to reach a contract agreement with Transit Windsor either Wednesday or Thursday, but Dragan Markovic makes no guarantees.
The two sides returned to the bargaining table on Wednesday, two days after the union announced its members would strike on February 5.
On Monday, the union said talks remained at an impasse despite two days of negotiations with a federal mediator.
A strike threatens to cause hardship for the thousands of Windsor and Essex County residents who rely on public transit to get to school, work, doctor's appointments, and to run errands.
Asked to characterize negotiations so far, Markovic offered no comment on Wednesday morning but did say the concerns of the public and his members are at the top of his mind.
Working conditions, paid sick time, and wages remain sticking points. Local 616 previously accused Transit Windsor of "making several attempts to erode the rights of these transit workers who are entitled to federally-mandated ten paid sick days."
The union has threatened to strike twice this month only to pull back on job action.
The first strike notice was issued on January 12 before ATU Local 616 agreed to continue bargaining. The second threat was last Friday.
"Our members don't want to walk off the job," said ATU International President John Costa on January 26. "But we will do what is necessary to get a fair contract."
Acting Infrastructure Services Commissioner Mark Winterton issued a statement earlier in the week saying he remained optimistic that talks planned on Wednesday would keep buses running. However, the City of Windsor has urged riders to make alternate transportation plans should the strike go ahead.
