Grand River Transit workers vote in favour of strike

Transit drivers, service attendants and trades workers with Grand River Transit have voted to strike in mid-March if they cannot reach a deal for a new contract with the Region of Waterloo.

The 644 workers, who are represented by Unifor Local 4304 have been without a contract since the end of 2016. Negotiations for a new contract began in December, but local president Rick Lonergan said there are "serious matters related to working conditions" that need to be addressed before they can agree on a new contract.

"Our members are proud to serve the people of Kitchener and Waterloo but unresolved issues on working conditions must be addressed," Lonergan said in a release.

On Sunday, the workers voted 98 per cent in favour of a strike mandate.

If a deal is not reached, workers could walk off the job at midnight on March 19.