Grand River Transit workers ratify three-year deal with Region of Waterloo

Bus at Grand River Transit headquarters on March 18, 2025. (Heather Senoran/CTV News)

Members of Unifor Local 4304 have voted to accept a new three-year collective agreement with the Region of Waterloo.

The deal, which still requires final approval from regional council, takes effect May 1, 2026, and will run until Apr. 30, 2029.

The union said the agreement includes wage increases, improvements to benefits and expanded coverage for workers between the ages of 67 and 75. It also contains provisions aimed at limiting the outsourcing of new transit routes.

“Grand River Transit workers stood united through this round of bargaining and secured an agreement that reflects the value of the essential work they do every day,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne in a media release. “These are the workers who keep communities across Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge moving, and this contract is a direct result of their solidarity and resolve.”

Local president Heath Abbott said wages and protections against contracting out were key issues during negotiations.

“Our members made it clear that fair wages and protecting our work from contracting out were non-negotiable, and our bargaining committee delivered on both,” Abbott said. “This agreement strengthens our members’ livelihoods today and protects the future of public transit jobs in this region.”

A special meeting of regional council is expected in the coming days to consider final ratification of the agreement.

Unifor Local 4304 represents about 820 workers at Grand River Transit, including operators, maintenance technicians, service attendants and reservationists across Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge.