Barrie Transit strike avoided, deal reached between union and contractor

The union representing Barrie Transit workers, ATU Local 1775, and the contractor, MVT Canadian Bus Inc., reached an agreement.

For those who rely on Barrie Transit to get around the city, you won’t need to make alternative travel arrangements on Monday as a strike has been averted.

If a deal wasn’t made between the union and contractor, workers would have gone on strike Monday morning.

The union that represents Barrie Transit workers and the City’s transit service provider have reached a tentative deal in the contract where the vast majority of workers voted in agreement.

As a result, Barrie Transit operators will continue to operate as usual.

The union, ATU Local 1775, says its new contract with MVT Canadian Bus Inc. includes resolved issues like what the union calls significant wage increases, a better work-life balance, increased benefits, better safety and improved scheduling of bus routes.

In a release on Monday, the union says the deal was made on Friday after the practice picket.

“We are pleased to announce that after long and intense negotiations, our members have ratified a strong contract with MVT that recognizes the important role our members play in safely transporting people across Barrie,” says Local 1775 President/Business Agent Cory Trew. “Our members worked hard for this contract, and we believe it strikes the right balance between meeting their needs and maintaining the high standard of service that the residents of Barrie deserve.”

The City of Barrie, while not the employer for transit workers, says it has been working closely with MVT and keeping a close eye on the situation ensuring transit can continue in Barrie uninterrupted.

“We appreciate the efforts of both parties to reach an agreement and avoid a service disruption for our community,” says Brent Forsyth, Director of Transit and Parking Strategy. “Thank you to our Barrie Transit riders for your patience and understanding while negotiations were underway.”

Initial reason to strike

According to the union, the cause of workers wanting to strike in the first place was chronic scheduling failures, a lack of respect from management and unfair labour practice allegations. It also cited MVT’s decision to send an American union-busting firm or firm that prevents employees from forming a union, that doesn’t have knowledge in Canadian labour law to conduct negotiations.

Members of the union had voted 96 per cent in favour of striking against MVT, according to ATU.

The contractor has a 20-year agreement to run Barrie Transit and it is currently in the middle of it.