Potential strike could impact Grand River Transit service
Posted Apr 26, 2023 03:40:57 PM.
Last Updated Apr 26, 2023 04:09:16 PM.
A possible labour disruption could bring some local public transit to a halt.
Bargaining talks are scheduled the next three days between the Region of Waterloo and Unifor Local 4304, which represents some Grand River Transit workers.
If no agreement is reached by Sunday at midnight, union members will be in a legal strike position as of Monday.
If a strike happens, there will be no GRT bus service, including MobilityPLUS. ION trains would continue to run since they’re maintained and operated by Keolis.
A statement from the Region of Waterloo said its working closely with Unifor and is committed to reaching an agreement that’s competitive for GRT staff and affordable for residents.
Unifor also addressed the potential strike action, saying it wants to see enhanced wages for the workers and scheduling fairness.
“Transit operators were on the front lines of the pandemic and maintenance staff made sure the buses were roadworthy,” said Unifor National President, Lana Payne, in an online statement. “Local 4304 members have shown how critical they are to the Waterloo area’s economy. They have earned a fair contract.”
This could be the second public transit strike in Waterloo Region in the last three years, as the first in GRT’s history took place in early 2020.
3:04 PM : The union representing some GRT staff, including bus operators, will be in a strike position on May 1. During a strike, buses will not operate, but ION trains will run. Plan ahead at https://t.co/nWYlPvM9hc.
— GRT Service Alerts (@AlertsGRT) April 26, 2023
