A public rally was held this week in advance of a new tenative agreement being reached between the City of Lethbridge and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 987. (Photo: ATU)

By David Opinko

City of Lethbridge & Access-A-Ride operators reach tentative agreement

Oct 16, 2025 | 2:26 PM

Lethbridge’s Access-A-Ride transit operators could potentially be on their way to having a contract for the first time in nearly one year.

The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 987 (ATU) has announced that it has reached a tentative agreement with the City of Lethbridge.

The proposed deal was reached during two days of mediated talks this week.

Negotiations had recently reached an impasse as the two sides had been unable to secure an agreement for several months of bargaining.

ATU President Travis Oberg says this is a major step forward.

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“We are pleased to announce that we reached a strong deal that brings our hardworking Access-a-Ride members to parity with their fellow transit workers in Lethbridge, and that will also improve rider safety by increasing passenger load times,” says Oberg.

Oberg adds that he is proud of the community for coming together to show their support.

Travis Oberg. “Over the last several weeks, our riders and community allies came together with our members in an incredible show of solidarity. We are so proud to have reached a deal that will improve conditions not only for Access-a-Ride workers, but also for the members of our community who depend on this vital service.”

The exact details of the tentative agreement are not being shared at this time, but ATU members are set to vote on it on Sunday, Oct. 19.

Oberg says he is proud of the community for coming together at a picket event on Tuesday, Oct. 14 to show their support.

A total of 45 Access-A-Ride operators will be impacted by the proposed agreement.

The City of Lethbridge provided the following statement to LNN:

“The City of Lethbridge would like to thank the Amalgamated Transit Union Local #987 for the fulsome and respectful discussion we’ve had at the bargaining table.”

“We are pleased with the tentative agreement reached and will provide no further comment until the agreement has been ratified by the parties.”