Express decision: Judge expected to rule on STC injunction next week

The judge mulling whether to temporarily halt theimpending closure of Saskatchewan Transportation Companyis expected to make her decision next week.

Lawyers for Amalgamated Transit UnionLocal 1374, which represents more than 200 STC workers, and the Saskatchewan government made their respective arguments in the Court of Queen's Bench in Regina Thursday for why an injunction should or should not be allowed.

• Court hears arguments today for putting brakes on STC closure

• Union for STC workers taking province to court over bus service closure

The government, citing lower ridership and its wishto redirect STC operating funds to other areas like social services and education, intends to close down the 70-year-old bus service on May 31.

In court Thursday, Queen's Bench Justice Lian Schwanntold attendees including several STC employees and advocates for services for people with disabilities thatshe expected to rule on the requested injunction before that closure date.

"She told us, barring anything that she needs more input on, that it will be next week some time," said Eric Carr, the president of ATU Local1374.

Plan B

And if the injunction isn't granted?

"I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get to it," said Carr."I haven't really thought about that. There's not too many rungs left on the ladder."

If the injunction is granted, a hearing focused on the legality of the government's decision to wind down STC willfollow.