MONCTON, NB – After nearly five months of having no transit buses in Greater Moncton, the local president of the Amalgamated Transit Union says it’s time for the lockout to end.

Speaking to Moncton City Council last night, the ATU’s George Turple said he plans to call a meeting with his membership this week and recommend they accept a 2.75 percent wage increase over the next five years.

Turple encourages council to do the same.

“It’s not about I, it’s not about you, it’s bigger than us.  It’s about our communities and the well-being of our communities… our business communities… and the freedom and the independence that our riders have lost.”

Turple confirmed the offer is similar to what the City put forth in April.

Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc has said repeatedly he won’t negotiate in public but is willing to return to the table anytime.