Merrimack Valley transit workers on strike Wednesday. (Andrea Perdomo-Hernandez/WBUR)

The Teamsters and Merrimack Valley Transit have reached a deal to end the 10-day strike that halted the bus service in northeastern Massachusetts. Service is expected to resume Sunday.

The transit authority accepted a proposal from Local 170 for a one-year deal that raises wages, but postpones agreement on the core disagreement that led to the strike, according to an announcement made Friday evening by Merrimack Valley Transit Administrator Noah Berger.

A point of contention during negotiations had been the transit authority's desire to schedule bus drivers on Saturdays instead of allowing them to sign up for open shifts, as has been the practice for several decades.

The new contract provides a 11.8% wage increase and postpones a decision on Saturday work.

The Teamsters submitted a pre-ratified agreement to their employer on Thursday with the one-year contract.

"This one-year agreement preserves Saturday overtime, protects the pension and health care improvements negotiated during bargaining, and creates a path for both parties to work with outside resources to resolve the remaining issue over Saturday work," said Jim Marks, a business agent for Teamsters Local 170, in a statement.

Both sides committed to begin to work on a longer-term contract.

“This last week and a half has been very difficult for all of us at MeVa, for our valued employees who were not doing the work they love, and most importantly for our riders, who we know depend on MeVa for access to jobs, education, medical appointments, daycare, cooling centers, summer activities, and just living their lives,” Berger said.

Berger said the transit authority is asking riders to be patient as service resumes for Sunday.

Before the transit authority agreed to the deal, union steward Michael Durso had said mechanics would need a day to inspect the buses before they could be returned to service.

Marks, the Teamsters agent, said union members "stepped up" and did their part to make this agreement.

"We expect the same commitment from everyone involved as we move forward," he said in a statement on Saturday. "Now our members are ready to get back behind the wheel and provide the safe, reliable service that Merrimack Valley riders depend on."

This article was originally published on July 10, 2026.

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Bus drivers for Merrimack Valley Transit go on strike

Andrea Perdomo-Hernandez Transportation Reporter

Andrea Perdomo-Hernandez is a transportation reporter for WBUR.

Amy Gorel Senior Editor

Amy Gorel is a senior editor of digital news at WBUR.