Thunder Bay specialized transit strike averted

The city of Thunder Bay announced Tuesday afternoon it has reached a memorandum of understanding with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 966 for its Lift+ operators.

The city and union met throughout the weekend, and reached the deal on Tuesday. A strike deadline had been set for Wednesday.

"We are extremely pleased to reach a tentative deal and, subject to ratification, prevent any disruption in the delivery of this important public service," said city manager Tim Commisso in a statement. "It's a credit to the bargaining team on both sides."

This was the first contract negotiated forthe Lift+ operators by the ATU and the city. The service was formerly known as HAGI transit.

The union represents nine full-time and 11 part-time operators withthe specialized transit service.