Bus strike looms April 3

WATERLOO REGION — Grand River Transit buses and MobilityPlus vehicles are expected to stop running at 5 a.m. Monday, the Region of Waterloo said in a statement Thursday evening.

Unifor Local 4304, which includes 644 bus drivers, service attendants and skilled workers such as mechanics, rejected an agreement with the Region on Thursday — even though the union’s negotiating team had unanimously endorsed the deal.

It was the second time this week that negotiating teams for both Unifor and the Region of Waterloo had agreed on a package, only to have it rejected by the union membership.

“We’re surprised and disappointed,” said Mike Murray, chief administrative officer at the region.

The union leadership could not be reached.

Services that would be affected by the labour disruption include Grand River Transit and BusPlus Service, MobilityPlus, and terminals.

The Charles and Ainslie street terminals in Kitchener and Cambridge would be closed, but Greyhound would still operate. Passengers would be picked up at Queen and Weber streets, the Region said in a statement.

GO bus and Coach Canada service in Cambridge will pick up at the GRT stop on Ainslie and Dickson streets. Bus operators will be selling fares on their buses.

In the event of a strike, every effort will be made to continue transportation for MobilityPlus customers for scheduled dialysis. But other trips for work, medical and recreation will be cancelled. Specialized trips by Kiwanis Transit are not affected.

For updates, call the Grand River Transit information line at 519-585-7555. Updates will also be posted at www.grt.ca.