Grand River Transit workers reject deal, strike underway
Workers with Grand River Transit have rejected a tentative agreement from the Region of Waterloo and are on strike as of Monday.
Buses continued to run until regular service ended at 3 a.m. Monday. Services for GRT, busPLUS, and MobilityPLUS stopped after that.
Riders will now have to find another way to get around.
RATIFICATION VOTE
A tentative agreement was reached Saturday between the region and UNIFOR Local 4304, which represents 650 transit operators and nearly 90 skill trades people, including GRT drivers, mechanics, vehicle service attendants, dispatchers, reservationists, fleet mechanics and service attendants.
A strike could have been averted if it passed a member vote on Sunday.
Shortly before 10 p.m., both the region and UNIFOR announced that the agreement was not ratified and workers were now in a legal strike position.
All bus service, including MobilityPLUS and busPLUS, will not run on Monday and customer service locations will be closed.
The LRT will continue to operate as usual as it’s maintained and operated by Keolis.
“Despite an offer that was competitive for GRT staff and affordable for residents, unfortunately we were not able to reach an agreement,” the region said in Sunday’s media release. “The region is committed to reaching an agreement and we remain open to discussions with the union. We appreciate that customers rely on transit on a daily basis and we will continue to update customers and residents with information as soon as it becomes available.”
CTV News also reached out to UNIFOR Local 4304. They said: "The membership has spoken and rejected the tentative agreement. Scheduling, work-life balance and wages are all major issues. We are looking to resolve this as quickly as possible in order to continue to serve the public."
Unifor and the region have been meeting daily since April 17.
"I actually don't know how I am going to get to work tomorrow," one GRT rider told CTV News Sunday night. "It's going to affect me a lot.
"I heard the train is still running. Riding my bike is my other option."
Updates on the status of transit services can be found on the GRT website.
In a tweet Monday morning, United Taxi in Kitchener said it would be providing free transportation on Monday and Tuesday to dialysis patients going to and from Grand River Hospital and Freeport hospital due to the transit strike.
THE LAST GRT STRIKE
In 2020, GRT workers had a tentative agreement on the table but it was rejected in a vote. This led to buses not running for nearly two weeks.
The Village Eatery in Cambridge told CTV News they saw a 20 per cent drop in business because regulars were spending their lunch money on transportation to get to work instead.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.