2026 Bargaining Timeline
August & September 2025
Information Gathering
A one-day open house was held at Unifor’s New West office, and an online survey was sent out to all members.
October & November 2025
Preparation
The Joint Bargaining Committee, with the help of an outside health and benefits consultant, used the 4,000+ survey results, as well as a grievance audit, to create over 450 bargaining proposals.
December 2025 & January 2026
Preparation
The proposals were streamlined into 309 final proposals. The entire Joint Bargaining Committee participated in a three-day, transit-specific bargaining training course.
February 2, 2026
Bargaining Opens
With the attendance of Unifor National President Lana Payne and Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle, bargaining was opened and proposals exchanged.
May 18, 2026
Bargaining Stalls
After 36 bargaining meetings, the employer cancelled the scheduled meeting on May 15 and did not show up on May 18, leading the Joint Bargaining Committee to seek a strike vote.
May 26, 2026
Strike Vote
Unifor Locals 111 & 2200 Members voted 99.35% in favour of strike action.
June 2-5, 2026
Strike Vote Success; Bargaining Resumes
After the successful strike vote, 4 days of bargaining meetings occurred. Concessions remained, so a mediator was sought.
June 19-20, 2026
Mediation Part 1
Mediator Trevor Sones met with the parties on June 19 & 20, 2026 and a tentative agreement was reached.
June 29, 2026
Ratification Vote #1
A ratification vote was held on June 29, 2026, and the tentative agreement was rejected by 66% of voters.
June 30, 2026
After a Failed Ratification Vote
Mediator Trevor Sones reached out to the parties, and new mediation dates were set.
July 20,2026
Mediation Part 2
Mediator Trevor Sones met with the parties on July 20, 2026, and a new tentative agreement was reached.
July 21 – August 4, 2026
Preparation
Support staff worked to ensure that all members were prepared to vote electronically, including sending out two test ballots.
August 6, 2026
Ratification Vote #2
A ratification vote was held on August 6, 2026, and the tentative agreement was rejected by 55% of voters.
Bargaining Priorities Survey
The Joint Bargaining Committee distributed another survey to the membership to determine the top priority to revisit at the bargaining table.
August 17, 2026
Strike Action #1 – Uniform Ban
Unifor Local 111 Members began strike action with a uniform ban, committing to wearing bright, unusual clothing to work to draw the attention of the public to the membership’s outstanding issues with the employer.
August 21, 2026
Strike Action #2 – “Think 50” Campaign
Unifor Local 111 Members continued strike action with a “Think 50” campaign aimed at slowing the system down by refusing to “turn and burn” and ensuring they took adequate time at the end of a run to eat, stretch, and use facilities as needed, regardless of being behind schedule. This campaign is about members making the conscious choice to remain committed to their professionalism as drivers, and always putting the safety of the public first and foremost before any scheduling issues.
September 3, 2026
Strike Action #3 – OSITs Recalled
Unifor Local 111 gave formal notice to the employer that they would be recalling members from acting supervisory positions in Road, Operations, and T-Comm.
September 12, 2026
Mediation Part 3
Mediator Trevor Sones, the Unifor Joint Bargaining Committee, and the employer met on Saturday, September 12 and came to a new LOU addressing running time, recovery, and electronic service comment sheets which, combined with the previous tentative agreement, forms the best and final package from the employer.
September 21, 2026
Ratification Vote #3
A record-high 91% of the membership voted on the third tentative agreement, with a result of 68% in favour. The collective agreement is ratified.