While a deal has been reached, it could be more toward the end of the week that buses will start running in Comox Valley and Campbell River.

Unifor Local 114 members voted to accept a new contract with PWTransit late last week.

In a release, the union said 80% of members voted to accept the deal and that it will take till the end of the week to get buses roadworthy.

Mechanics had already returned to work prior to the ratification vote to get a head start on the process.

Workers walked off the job December 15th, having been without a contract since last March.

The union says wages are going up 9.5% in the first year, 3.5% in the second year and 2.54% in the last year.

The new agreement also improves employer top-ups to RRSPs.

Local 114 President Gord McGrath says members are looking forward to returning to work, “proudly servicing the Comox Valley and Campbell River communities.”

He says the contract speaks to members’ needs and creates a proper work-life-balance for them.