Unifor Locals 111 and 2200 and the Coast Mountain Bus Company will return to the bargaining table on Saturday after a request from mediator Trevor Sones.

Union officials say they are prepared to continue negotiations for as long as necessary in hopes of reaching a new collective agreement.

“Nobody wants these negotiations settled more than our members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“They are the ones out on the road every day and they want a contract that works. We will be at the table Saturday and we will stay as long as it takes.”

According to Unifor, Sones contacted both the union and Coast Mountain Bus Company to resume talks, with all parties agreeing to return to negotiations.

Bargaining began in February. In May, members of both Unifor locals voted 99.35 per cent in favour of strike action.

Since then, the union has carried out a series of job actions while continuing negotiations toward a new agreement.

“Our members took a strike vote and they have followed through with job action,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle.

“They have shown they are serious and they are ready to sit down Saturday and get a deal done.”