Winnipeg Transit service to return to normal, agreement reached

Winnipeg Transit service is expected to return to normal after the City and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1505 reached a tentative agreement late Friday night.

"The overtime ban has been lifted," said John Callahan, president of Winnipeg Transit's union, which represents around 1,100 bus drivers and 250 maintenance workers.

"I can tell you that it's a deal that we will be recommending to our members. We are looking forward to getting back and to the job at hand."

That job is expected to run smoothly once the backlog of bus maintenance is out of the way.

"It's been a long process to say the least," Callahan said.

"There was some heated moments, but at the end of the day it's all about the greater good and we've got to get back to working with the employer and getting things done. It's about improving the service and that is what this union is committed to do."

The agreement must still be ratified by both the ATU members and city council.