Unionized transit workers in Lethbridge are set to rally in solidarity with Access-A-Ride operators on Oct. 14, 2025. (Photo: City of Lethbridge)

By David Opinko

Transit workers in Lethbridge planning protest on Tuesday

Oct 14, 2025 | 6:00 AM

Bus drivers and other associated workers are set to rally in support of the city’s Access-A-Ride operators.

The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 987 (ATU) says it will hold a practice picket outside of Lethbridge City Hall from 5:00-5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14.

ATU President Travis Oberg says Access-A-Ride drivers and dispatchers have been working without a contract since December 2024.

“Our calls for safer load times and fair compensation have fallen on deaf ears at the bargaining table,” says Oberg. “City negotiators have refused these proposals and have continued to demand concessions that would worsen conditions for these hardworking members.”

One of the top issues for the union, he explains, is the short amount of time that passengers are given to board buses.

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Oberg says drivers and riders have complained that the current load times mean that seniors and people with disabilities are forced to rush, and that drivers often fall behind schedule.

The second top issue for the unionized employees is compensation.

Oberg previously told LNN that other Lethbridge Transit drivers received a pay increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, but those working the Access-A-Ride service did not.

“We have two collective agreements, and making an adjustment to one impacts the other one down the road, and we’re not willing to make changes to a lesser amount for our Access-A-Ride members when our transit operators are already receiving something better,” Oberg told LNN on Sept. 3, 2025.

“Our goal is always to ensure that we bring the Access-A-Ride operators up to the same standard as what our transit operators are getting.”

The ATU represents 140 transit drivers, maintenance staff, dispatchers, and service staff. It also has 45 Access-A-Ride workers.

A spokesperson with the City of Lethbridge provided the following statement to LNN:

“We can confirm that the City of Lethbridge and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) are set to go to mediation October 15 and 16. We look forward to working together towards a new collective agreement that meets the needs of all parties,” reads the statement from the City of Lethbridge.

READ MORE: Access-A-Ride workers apply for mediator in negotiations with City of Lethbridge (Sept. 3, 2025 article)