Bus drivers, employer reach tentative deal in Kelowna

CENTRAL OKANAGAN – After almost two weeks on strike, bus drivers in the Central Okanagan may be headed back to work.

Leadership of the Amalgamated Transit Union local 1722 and their employer, First Canada, have reached a tentative contract agreement, according to a release from First Canada.

The agreement will be presented to members tomorrow, Nov. 23 and buses could be back on the roads as early as Thursday.

Despite a vow to stay out of the dispute, the City of Kelowna played a “significant role in bridging the divide between the union and the company,” First Canada says.

“We are grateful to Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran and City of Kelowna staff who help broker this agreement,” John Peck, First Canada Regional Vice-President says. “We sincerely regret the inconvenience to our valued customers for the interruption of transit services and we look forward to working with our employees as we restore this vital community service.” 

The union has not yet issued a statement on the matter.

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