After 49 days on the picket line, two thousand Calgary transit workers ratified a new collective agreement April 12, 2001.

"The members ratified the new agreement by 91 per cent," said Walter Moodie, a vice-president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 583. "We made substantial gains over the last offer the employer had forced us to vote on."

The three-year agreement includes a 3.0% retroactive raise for 2000, 3.5% in 2001 and 3.5% in 2002. There was also an $850 signing bonus for full-time workers and a $425 bonus for part-time workers.

On other big issues in the strike, the union also made headway, according to Moodie. "We have an agreement to reach provincial parity for our skilled trade workers within 90 days," said Moodie.

The union also secured protection against contracting-out for a large group of workers – primarily bus cleaners. The City also agreed to reconsider the contracted-out status of bus shelter and LRT cleaners.

"We also secured a cap on the use of small shuttle buses to replace regular buses and drivers," said Moodie.

The union is now dealing with the 2% of members who crossed the picket lines. A review committee of their fellow workers will decide upon what disciplinary actions will be taken.