Grand River Transit bus services to continue on Friday

A Grand River Transit bus is seen along King Street in Waterloo on Oct. 15, 2024. (Jeff Pickel/CTV News)

People who use Grand River Transit (GRT) buses will be able to hop on a bus on Friday, even as the threat of a strike continues.

According to a news release from the Region of Waterloo on Thursday, bus services will not be interrupted on May 1 as the union has not issued a strike notice.

“Negotiations continue, and we will share updates as they are available,” the region’s statement said.

Both the region and the union that represents 850 GRT employees, Unifor Local 4304, said 48-hours notice would be given if a strike or lockout was going to start on Friday.

However, as of 5:15 p.m. Thursday, neither group had issued the required notice.

The union and the region are still trying to reach a new agreement before the union’s contract expires on May 1, putting them in a legal strike position.

If a strike or lockout happens, all GRT buses and MobilityPlus vehicles will not run and customer service offices will be closed. ION train service would not be impacted because it is operated by Keolis.

The union has said they are trying to hammer out a collective agreement that addresses concerns with wages, scheduling and benefits.