The city and transit union officials have formally ratified a new contract, averting the possibility of a bus strike.
During a special meeting on Tuesday, city council directed staff to sign off on the deal with the ATU Local 1189-Guelph, which represents about 260 employees including drivers, cleaners, mechanics and more.
“I look forward to it being fully executed,” commented Mayor Cam Guthrie, following a brief meeting behind closed doors with legal staff. “On behalf of council, I will say ‘thank you very much’ to everyone involved.”
No details of the contract agreement have been released.
It was previously reported the tentative agreement included significant wage increases, a better work-life balance, and other improvements the union pushed for.
Efforts to reach union local president Scott Bate weren’t immediately successful.
Stephen O’Brien, the city’s acting general manager of human resources, told GuelphToday the union ratified the contract last week, and council’s approval was the last authorization needed for it.
Last month, union officials filed for a No-Board report with the Ministry of Labour, putting them in legal strike position. Among the key issues were pay, a better work environment, and improved work-life balance.
In September, Guelph Transit workers voted 99.5 per cent in favour of a strike if necessary. A strike was planned earlier this month, but was called off when a tentative agreement was reached.
