The issues that have caused Grand River Transit employees to vote down two separate contract offers have nothing to do with salaries or benefits, their union says.

As of Friday evening, Waterloo Region’s transit service appeared to be lurching toward the first labour stoppage in its 17-year history.

Unifor Local 4304 was saying that its 650 members – a group which includes drivers, maintenance crews and other workers – will hit the picket lines at 5 a.m. Monday.

Although both the union and the Region of Waterloo said they were willing to return to the bargaining table, no talks had been scheduled.

Union spokesperson Tim Mitchell said the workers’ concerns mainly relate to what he describes as safety issues and discipline issues.

“Over the last couple of years, the members have just had enough,” he said.

Mitchell claimed suspensions of GRT drivers have increased in recent years, although neither he nor the region provided data to prove or refute that assertion.

Among the union’s specific complaints, Mitchell said, is that drivers who hit construction pylons – sometimes without even realizing it – can be disciplined for leaving the scene of a collision.

“They feel they’re working under a microscope,” Mitchell said.

Mike Murray, the region’s chief administrative officer, said in an interview that while most GRT drivers do “great work,” issues can crop up.

“As management, we feel it is our responsibility to address performance issues if and when they arise,” he said.

“Although the union may see that as heavy-handed, we see it as being fair, reasonable (and) responsible.”

As for safety concerns, Murray pointed to a number of actions the region has already taken, including equipping every bus with security cameras, silent alarms and connections to 911 dispatchers.

If there is a strike, more than 400 students in the Waterloo Region District School Board will have to find alternate ways of getting to school. School board officials say any affected students who can’t make it to class won’t have it held against them on their report cards.

Unifor also represents employees of CTV Kitchener.

With reporting by Abigail Bimman