Workers at Metrobus, including drivers, are calling on the city to start negotiations on a new contract.

Their current deal, which was for three years, expires May 31. The Amalgamated Transit Union accepted the current deal and the zero wage increase at the 11th hour with a strike looming. However, local president Paul Churchill says this time, they expect a significant increase in pay.

The parties have not exchanged proposals yet so Churchill would like to get talks going as the contract expires in only a couple of weeks.

The city is coping with a budget shortfall for transit services, primarily because of the cost of fuel. It’s asking the provincial government to apply to Ottawa for assistance from a national fund designed for such occurrences. Churchill says some provinces have already availed of the fund. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador says it is waiting for the Bill to receive Royal Assent.