Barrie Transit workers planning to practice picket Thursday

Barrie city buses are shown in Barrie, Ont. on Tues., March 17, 2026. (CTV News/Rob Cooper)

Barrie Transit workers, represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1775 will practice picket on Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal on Essa Road.

The union and MVT, the American company out of Dallas, Texas that operates Barrie Transit, will continue discussion about contracts on Friday.

What the union is saying

“We care about our riders, who we transport each day, and this disruption to the community does not need to happen,” said Local 1775 President/Business Agent Cory Trew. “All we are asking is that MVT come to the negotiation table with a fair and just deal that addresses our concerns. Our members don’t want to walk off the job, and this practice picket sends a loud and clear message to MVT and the City.”

ATU International is supporting Local 1775.

“As Barrie Transit workers show their strength and solidarity at our practice pickets today, let this be a loud and clear message to MVT and the City, the ATU International, with our more than 200,000 members across North America, supports our members in their struggle,” said Costa. “We will be standing in solidarity alongside them as they prepare to go on strike if necessary.”

What MVT is saying

In a statement to CTV News on Tuesday, MVT provided the following:

“Since June 2025, MVT has presented several comprehensive proposals to the union in the course of collective bargaining, consistent with its obligation to bargain in good faith. We acknowledge, but disagree with, the union’s decision to authorize a potential strike, which will potentially affect transit services for Barrie’s citizens. We look forward to the union’s next proposal on March 20 and remain hopeful the day ends in an agreement.”

What the City is saying

The City, who is not the employer for Barrie Transit, is optimistic the dispute will be settled.

“The City remains hopeful that the Union (Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1775) and MVT will reach a negotiated settlement,” the City stated in a previous release.

Coincidentally, the City of Barrie is recognizing Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day.

In a release on Wednesday, the City thanked operators, mechanics, cleaners, planners and other workers behind the scenes who keep transit running safely and smoothly across the city.

“Whether you’re helping residents get to work, visit loved ones, make it to appointments, or simply complete their everyday errands, your dedication keeps Barrie moving every day,” said Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall. “We appreciate all that you do. Happy Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day.”

Why there could be a strike

According to the union, the dispute surrounds chronic scheduling failures, a lack of respect from management and unfair labour practice allegations. It also cites 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.

“ATU Canada and ATU International are calling on MVT Canadian Bus Inc. to return to the table immediately with a qualified Canadian labour relations representative and negotiate a contract that reflects the value Barrie’s transit workers deliver every day,” says ATU Canada.

Members of the union 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.