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WINNIPEG – The city lurched closer to its first transit strike since the 1970s after union members narrowly rejected a tentative contract settlement.

The Amalgamated Transit Union local 1505 rejected the deal by 51% in a vote taken June 8-11. The results were not officially released but Global News obtained the details Thursday evening.

Union leadership had recommended acceptance of the deal, reached after a month long campaign by bus drivers and mechanics to refuse voluntary overtime. That led to delays and cancellations on several routes.

A City of Winnipeg spokesperson refused to comment, referring questions to the union. ATU leaders couldn’t immediately be reached for comment. It isn’t known if more talks are planned or if strike or lockout action are likely in the short term.

Union members were asked to vote on this question: “Are you in favour of accepting the city proposal as presented by your negotiating committee?”

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