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The City of Winnipeg still expects a September transit strike, despite making what it calls a “fourth and final” contract offer to the union that represents its bus drivers.

However, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505 (ATU) says its members will vote on the proposal from Aug. 12 to 16 and there are no current plans to head to the picket line.

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Seven months into their labour dispute, the two sides appear to remain far from agreement, despite joining the Manitoba Labour Board for two days of mediation last week.

Michael Jack, Winnipeg’s chief corporate services officer, said the city remains “at an impasse” with the union.

“It’s pretty clear to us that they continue to kick the can down the road to get into September, when a strike would be most impactful to the city and to (Winnipeg Transit) riders,” Jack said on Tuesday.

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The city said its latest proposal offered a 2019 pay freeze, followed by 2% annual raises in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Another 2% hike would follow on March 31, 2023.