Frustrations between the City of Winnipeg and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) continue to amplify.

The ATU has been without a contract since January and the City has stated this week that they are at an impasse in negotiations.

Union members and individuals attending in solidarity gathered around the new streetcar statue on Portage Avenue - in line of sight from the Office of the Mayor.

Aleem Chaudhary, President of ATU Local 1505 says, "It's not all about the money ... that is what the city hall and the politicians want you to believe, but it is not.

"It's the working conditions. We're sick and tired. Its been years and years and its been building up. Now it is to a point where it is exploding and it is time to stand up." 

Chants of "ATU, ATU" and cars honking their support were heard on the busy street corner.

"We want action, we want action now."

The ATU says the scheduling system needs fixing as it "relates to all the assaults and hardships," according to Chaudhary.

Chaudhary says they do not want to inconvenience their riders and will not strike, "Unless we literally had to." Chaudhary says the ATU just wants to be appreciated by the mayor and city council and for negotiations to come to an end.

International Vice President of the ATU, John Callahan, echoes that the scheduling system needs a fix: "We just can't meet the demand of the service. Our proposals are based on improving the service so that everyone wins."

Callahan says, "This isn't about us - although, partially it is. The by-product of providing a good service is that there is less conflict which always escalates to violence. That's what this is all about: trying to provide a good service."

Part of the ATU's proposal package, according to Callahan, includes changing the titles of bus operators to  Public Transit Customer Service Provider.

The ATU, according to Callahan, has been working in partnership with local organizations like the Main Street Project.

At Main Street Project they work on de-escalation training and community outreach.

Callahan says of the Union local initiatives: "We want to do it with the support of the City of Winnipeg."

CHVN has reached out to the City of Winnipeg for comment.