Peterborough, ON - After months of negotiations and a strike threat, members of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1320-Peterborough, ON, have ratified a strong tentative agreement, averting a strike.
In the vote that concluded on Saturday night, the Union’s membership passed the deal by 87%. It had been endorsed unanimously by the Local’s Executive Board.
“The membership stuck together and was clear about what they were willing to accept, and ultimately accepted this latest offer for a 3-year deal,” said Local 1320 President/Business Agent Cory Macleod.
The Union reached a 3-year tentative deal with Peterborough Transit on Friday, November 17, after the Union gave a 72-hour advance strike notice to Peterborough residents. Both sides had been negotiating since May, and contract talks broke down mid-September, with members voting 99 percent in favour of a strike mandate. Local 1320 represents 103 full-time staff and 20 part-time employees at Peterborough Transit, which moves nearly 4 million passengers a year.
“Our members proved that they were willing to go to the mat to fight for a contract with living wages and strong benefits that will allow them to provide for their families,” said ATU International President John Costa. “I applaud them for their strength, solidarity, and unity to secure a contract that recognizes their commitment and dedication as frontline heroes to provide safe and reliable transportation that the people of Peterborough rely on each day.”