Talks could resume as soon as Wednesday between the union representing Grand River Transit workers and the Region of Waterloo.
The two sides had reached a tentative deal last week, but that offer was voted down by the membership of Unifor Local 4304 over the weekend.
Union representative Tim Mitchell says the biggest opposition to the deal came not from bus drivers, but from GRT’s skilled trades workers.
Mitchell described the problems the skilled trades workers had with the offer as being “non-economic issues primarily.”
A spokesperson for the region said that the region wasn’t sure what specific issues the skilled trades workers had with the offer, but would be happy to discuss them further.
Both sides have said they are willing to go back to the negotiating table, and Mitchell said that could happen as soon as Wednesday.
No strike deadline has been set, and Unifor – which also represents employees of CTV Kitchener – says it will give 48 hours’ notice before any work stoppage.
