Waterloo Region – Unifor 4304, representing Grand River Transit/MobilityPLUS operators, dispatchers, fleet mechanics and service attendants has advised the Region that their members have rejected the agreement negotiated with the Region of Waterloo.  

As the membership did not ratify the terms of a new contract, Unifor Local 4304 will officially be on strike at 5:00 a.m., Monday, April 3, 2017.

The Region believes that the agreement we negotiated was fair to our employees and responsible to Regional taxpayers. It included a wage increase of six per cent over three years, as well as a number of adjustments to employee benefits.

“I’m surprised and disappointed at this outcome,” said Mike Murray, CAO, Region of Waterloo.” “We negotiated an agreement in good faith that the Unifor bargaining committee unanimously recommended that their members accept. We are disappointed that they have rejected it.”

Services affected by the labour disruption will include Grand River Transit and BusPlus Service, MobilityPlus, and bus terminals. The public should prepare to find alternate means of transportation.

The Region remains prepared to meet with the Union to get the buses back on the road. We appreciate the public’s cooperation and patience at this time.

For updates, please monitor local media, call the GRT information line at 519-585-7555, TTY: 519-575-4608  or visit the GRT website at: www.grt.ca.

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For more information please contact:

Bryan Stortz, Director of Corporate Communications, 519-575-4408