Acadian Lines workers give strike notice

Acadian Lines employees in New Brunswick and P.E.I. gave a 72-hour strike notice at midnight, but talks are scheduled Thursday morning to prevent a walk out.

The 59 bus drivers, mechanics, maintenance workers and customer service representatives, represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1229, could be out Sunday, if the talks fail. The two sides have not met since Oct. 28.

Union local presidentGlen Carr told CBC News Thursday he did not want to comment on the strike notice or the talks until after he meets with the company Thursday. In a news release earlier, Carr said he did regret the possibility of a strike.

"The members are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause to your travelling needs," said Carr.

Acadian hastwo daily runs to and from Prince Edward Island. Astrike would interrupt intercity bus travel in the two provinces.

Each side blamed the other for the breakdown of talks in October.

The company was offering a contract that is worth zero per cent over the next five years, according to Carr.Acadian's parent company, Groupe Orleans Express, has given raises to Quebec Orleans drivers and the Acadian intercity employees in Nova Scotia, he said.

The union wants at least a cost of living increase, he has said.

Company officials have said the company is facing some financial challenges and that many of the New Brunswick routes aren't profitable.

Workers have been without a contract for about 10 months.

They voted 98 per cent in favour of a strike last month.