Grand River Transit (GRT) Bus Strike Advocacy

Update – May 4, 2026: Members of Unifor Local 4304 have ratified an agreement with the Region of Waterloo.There will be no disruption to GRT services, including buses, ION trains, and MobilityPLUS.

WUSA was made aware of a potential strike affecting Grand River Transit (GRT) workers. Currently, Unifor, Local 4304 which represents a number of GRT workers will be in a legal strike position as of May 1, 2026.

A strike would affect drivers of GRT and MobilityPLUS buses. Customer service locations will be closed. Ion train service will continue.

For the latest updates on the status of transit services, visit www.grt.ca/updates, call the GRT Information Line at: 519-585-7555 for deaf and hard of hearing customers (TTY) at 519-575-4608.

WUSA will continue to provide more information as the situation evolves.

We want to ensure that you are prepared and have alternative transportation options if a strike occurs.

Here are some suggestions:

  1. Plan ahead: consider alternative transportation options, such as walking, cycling, scootering, carpooling, or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
  2. If you are a driver and open to helping, check in with bussing friends to see if they need a ride.
  3. Check the ION train schedule, as trains will continue to operate.
  4. Provide your feedback directly to GRT here.
  5. If you have concerns or questions, please call 519-585-7555 or for deaf and hard of hearing customers (TTY) at 519-575-4608.

We understand that this situation may be challenging for many of you, and we want to assure you that we are here to support you. We will be monitoring the situation closely and will keep you updated on potential alternative supports if a strike occurs.

You also have access to a number of campus transportation options.

The University has access to free carpool matching software through its membership in the Region of Waterloo TravelWise program, which can help employees and students share rides to campus. Drivers and people seeking rides can use TravelWise to get matched. You can register as a student here.

We will update you via our Instagram and this webpage as we learn more.

What has been done thus far…

Agreement Ratified

May 4

Members of Unifor Local 4304 have ratified an agreement with the Region of Waterloo.There will be no disruption to GRT services, including buses, ION trains, and MobilityPLUS.

Tentative Agreement Reached

May 1

A tentative agreement has been reached between the Region of Waterloo and Unifor Local 4304. GRT bus service will continue uninterrupted. Union members will vote on the agreement on Sunday, May 3.

Potential Strike

Apr 20

WUSA was made aware of a potential strike affecting Grand River Transit (GRT) workers and began planning to spread awareness on this issue. The latest updates and service information will be available at grt.ca/updates.

  • A strike would affect drivers of GRT and MobilityPLUS buses. Customer service locations will be closed. Ion train service will continue.