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Striking Ottawa transit workers overwhelmingly approve binding arbitration(Canadian Press (delayed) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) OTTAWA _ There's word Ottawa's striking transit drivers, mechanics and dispatchers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a plan for binding arbitration. Radio station CFRA reports the margin was 95 per cent in favour. The vote Saturday followed Ottawa City Council's unanimous vote in favour of the same option early Friday. OC Transpo sources told CFRA that mechanics began returning to work Saturday to start getting buses ready for a return to service on Thursday. The union's International branch vice-president, Randy Graham, says his union members are willing to keep garages open around the clock until service resumes. The agreement to let an arbitrator determine a contract came after the federal government said it was prepared to legislate an end to the nearly two-month strike. Major issues included wages and work schedules. (CFRA) Copyright ? 2009 The Canadian Press |