Kitchener-Waterloo

Grand River Transit strike negotiations expected to continue over weekend

The Region of Waterloo said Friday that negotiations with the union representing striking Grand River Transit workers are expected to continue over the weekend.

Region says it's committed to reaching a 'competitive' agreement

A group of workers stand on a sidewalk near a "region of waterloo administrative building" sign wear signs that say "on strike"
Grand River Transit workers, represented by Unifor Local 4304, have set up a picket in front of the Region of Waterloo headquarters on Frederick Street in Kitchener. They're pictured here on Friday, as the region and union said negotiations continue. (Kate Bueckert/CBC)

The union representing striking Grand River Transit workers is expected to continue talks with the Region of Waterloo into the weekend.

The region issued a statement Friday afternoon saying the goal of the weekend talks will be to reach an agreement and restore transit services.

Transit workers, including drivers, mechanics and attendants, have been off the job since Monday. A picket has been set up in front of the region's headquarters in Kitchener.

The region said it's committed to reaching a "competitive" agreement.

The union and region reached a tentative agreement last weekend, but workers voted it down on Sunday. Unifor national president Lana Payne said in a release that the region had "not met the expectations of transit workers."

Brendan Burke, president of Unifor Local 4304, has previously said the two biggest issues are "scheduling work-life balance and wages." He would not go into detail about the size of the wage increase the union is asking for.

Talks broke off after last Sunday's vote, but resumed on Thursday morning.