N.L. bus drivers ink first collective agreement

Tentative deal at GoBus includes a $2 wage increase

A group of accessible transit drivers in Newfoundland and Labrador are celebrating after approving their first collective agreement.

The 35 GoBus drivers in the St. John’s area ratified a tentative agreement with their employer on July 18, according to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). That agreement also includes a wage increase of $2 per hour over three years.

“With this first collective agreement now resolved we are looking forward to a positive and productive relationship with the employer,” said CUPE’s national representative, Ed White.

GoBus para-transit workers threatened to strike if a settlement could not be reached with their employer, MVT Canadian Bus, a private company contracted out by the city.

“MVT Canadian Bus is very pleased an agreement was reached with its dedicated operators represented by CUPE Local 5120 and, most importantly, that the critical St. John's GoBus accessible transit service will continue without interruption,” added Brian Balogh, senior vice president at MVT.

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