Striking transit workers in York Region are on the picket line once again and delaying buses as their job action runs into its seventh week.

The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) ramped up its efforts Monday morning. Picketers held up buses leaving the Veolia station and garage on Keele Street at Bowes Road in Vaughan for up to ten minutes—that’s about two to three times longer than delays in previous pickets.

Veolia, the company contracted to run VIVA buses, told the picketers to get off the main road outside the station because it claims the road is private property.

Pickets also popped up again at Finch station, the Richmond Hill Centre Terminal on Yonge Street at Highway 7, and at York Region Transit (YRT) offices at Yonge Street and High Tech Road.

Delays on GO buses due to the pickets were also reported. GO bus customers weren’t able to board at Finch and Richmond Hill Centre stations. They were being advised to get on their buses at nearby stops.

Union representatives say they plan to picket every day this week in an effort to restart contract talks. Some of the striking workers Monday said they believe the job action could last until March.

ATU locals 1587 and 113 represent the workers and they’re calling on the companies contracted to run buses—First Canada, Miller Transit and Veolia—to submit to arbitration to end the strike. The union has also called on the region to step in to solve the impasse.

On Friday, York Region Council said both options are off the table. It also said it wouldn't push for back-to-work legislation from the province.

The council also demanded the two sides returned to the bargaining table. There have been no significant talks since the strike began on Oct. 24.

Last week the York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch described the strike as a “politically-motivated attack” on the York Region Transit system.

Approximately 50,000 people are affected by the transit strike.