Three union chapters that represent transit workers in Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria have issued 72-hour strike notices. The strike notices were issued by Unifor for transit operators in Local 111 and skilled-trade workers in Local 2200, who will initiate a uniform ban on Monday against the Coast Mountain Bus Company. However, there will be no disruption in service for riders. In a separate statement, B.C. Transit workers in Victoria, represented by Local 333, will also participate in the uniform ban starting on Monday.
The decision to take this action follows over a year of negotiations for Greater Victoria workers, with members voting overwhelmingly in favor of a strike back in May. Despite months of bargaining and mediation for Metro Vancouver workers, a settlement has not been reached.
According to Unifor’s western regional director, Gavin McGarrigle, the strike was deemed necessary as employers have not adequately addressed issues concerning wages, working conditions, and privatization. The concerns include recovery time between trips. McGarrigle indicated that if the situation does not improve, further escalations may occur in the future.
Both TransLink and the Coast Mountain Bus Company have not yet commented on the strike notices. B.C. Transit, responsible for Victoria’s transit system, expressed disappointment at the strike notice despite their efforts to find a resolution. They reassured that HandyDART service will not be affected and mentioned their commitment to ongoing negotiations while apologizing for any inconvenience caused by the labor dispute.