Unifor members working at Durham Region Transit voted 98% on May 21 for strike action if they cannot reach an agreement with the region by midnight on June 6, 2025.

Durham Transit Workers Deserve Respect and Equity

Same Job, Less Pay:

Transit workers in surrounding “905-area code” municipalities like Mississauga and Brampton – areas with similar population sies and growth projections – earn up to $5 more per hour than Durham Region Transit employees for doing the exact same work. 

  • We are fighting tirelessly to close this unjust wage gap and secure a fair contract t that recognizes the hard work, dedication and professionalism of DRT members.

Zero Tolerance for Abuse on the Job

  • No one should be abused at work. Yet, too many DRT operators face verbal threats, spitting, and even physical assaults on the job.
  • We're demanding immediate, priority support from DRT for operators facing harassment. A safe workplace isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Late Buses? Overcrowding Is the Problem

  • Riders get frustrated when buses are late – but the real issue is overcrowding caused by underfunding.
  • In 2024, Durham Region promised to invest in public transit to meet projected growth. So far, that promise hasn’t translated into real improvements on the ground.

Operators Need Work-Life Balance, Too

  • Many DRT members work split shifts that stretch out over long days, cutting into personal and family time.
  • We’re pushing for smarter scheduling and better balance —because no one should have to choose between serving their community and living a healthy life.

WHY THIS FIGHT MATTERS

Durham Region Transit (DRT) serves more than 10 million riders annually across Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge, and Whitby.

Durham is growing fast with households projected to increase from 244,000 in 2021 to over 277,000 by 2026.

Last year, after pressure from Unifor’s “Fund Durham Regional Transit” campaign Council  reaffirmed its dedication to fully funding the 127% growth needed for the transit system by 2032.

Since then, there has been little movement by the region to make good on its promise.

Today, DRT remains understaffed, underfunded, and overstretched, leaving the community with service gaps.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

  • Close the wage gap. Pay Durham transit workers what they’re worth.
  • Deliver on funding promises. Fully invest in public transit infrastructure and staffing.
  • Protect frontline workers. Ensure immediate response protocols for abuse and harassment.
  • Support better scheduling. Improve quality of life for operators, and service for riders.

Durham can’t grow without a strong, reliable, and fair transit system.
It’s time to invest in the people who keep our communities moving.

Contact Durham Regional mayors and councillors and mayors and let them know you support DRT workers by signing this petition!

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