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Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer Len Poirier and Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi toured Grand River Transit (GRT) facilities in Kitchener alongside members of Unifor Local 4304 to recognize their work and engage with them directly about current workplace conditions and challenges.
“Unifor members at GRT play an essential role in keeping Kitchener-Waterloo moving,” said Poirier, who began his own career in the transportation sector as a truck driver in 1986.
“From safety on the job to reliable service for riders, these workers make public transit function every day and they deserve respect and strong union representation.”
Local 4304 represents more than 700 workers at GRT, including bus operators, mechanics, service attendants, dispatchers and other transit staff.
During the visit, Poirier and Hashi toured maintenance bays, operations offices, and dispatch areas. They met with operators and technicians who spoke about their experiences at work and the gains they’ve made through collective bargaining.
“Our members bring tremendous skill and dedication required to keep transit running,” said Hashi. “These are public service workers who show up every day to serve their community. They deserve fair treatment, safe conditions, and a strong voice in the workplace.”
Unifor’s national leadership highlighted the importance of continued investment in public transit that includes support for the workers who provide it, particularly as municipalities face funding pressures and increasing service demands.
“Our job as union leaders is to listen and to advocate,” said Poirier. “Today we saw firsthand what solidarity and strong local leadership can accomplish. What we have here is a strong local that fights for its members, delivers results at the bargaining table, and plays a critical role in strengthening public transit for the entire community.”
The local reached a new collective agreement in early 2023 that achieved wage increases and benefit enhancements, as well as enhanced health and safety and workplace surveillance protections.
“Transit systems only run because skilled workers make them run,” said Hashi. “We’re proud to support Local 4304 and every Unifor member who helps keep our communities connected.”
Photos of the tour can be found on Facebook.
