The union representing MiWay workers in Mississauga says it has reached a tentative deal with the transit agency, averting a possible strike later this summer.
In a news release issued Friday, ATU Local 1572 said it had reached a tentative agreement hours after a “spirited practice picket” outside Mississauga City Hall.
“Our members worked hard for this contract, and we believe it strikes the right balance between meeting their needs and maintaining the high standard of service that the residents of Mississauga deserve,” Local 1572 President Jack Jackson said in a statement.
The union says the deal “addresses key issues” for workers, including higher wages, improved benefits, better working conditions and health and safety improvements.
“Our members’ unwavering unity is the reason we have a tentative agreement they should be proud to vote on,” said ATU International President John Costa in a statement.
“Their dedication to not only fighting for a better contract but also fighting for a better public transit system for the City of Mississauga inspires us all.”
The union says workers are expected to hold a ratification meeting to vote on the deal soon.
The terms of the settlement won’t be shared with the public until it is presented to membership, according to the statement.
MiWay employs more than 1,400 staff in total, the city’s 2024 budget says, and ATU represents some 1,200 of them. They could have walked off the job in August if a deal wasn’t reached.