Transit operators reach deal with Grand River Transit

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Waterloo—After bargaining into the night and through the strike deadline, Unifor Local 4304 has reached a tentative agreement with Grand River Transit. No interruption of service will result from the last minute deal. “I’m proud of our bargaining committee’s skill and commitment to getting a tentative agreement,” said Rick Lonergan, President of Unifor Local 4304. “We are committed to serving this community, so we bargained through the night.” Lonergan said the contract is a three-year deal. Drivers will vote on ratification on Sunday, March 26, after which more details about the agreement will be released. Local 4304 represents 644 transit operators, service attendants, and skilled trades workers at Grand River Transit. The union’s contract expired at the end of last year. Current negotiations began in December 2016. Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged.