Three labor unions representing numerous transit workers in Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria have issued strike notices that will take effect in 72 hours. Unifor announced that transit operators in Local 111 and skilled-trade workers in Local 2200 will implement a uniform ban starting on Monday against the Coast Mountain Bus Company, with no immediate impact on service for passengers. Additionally, B.C. Transit employees in Victoria, represented by Local 333, will also join the uniform ban commencing Monday.
In Greater Victoria, this action follows over a year of negotiations, with members overwhelmingly voting in favor of a strike in May. Despite months of bargaining and mediation in Metro Vancouver, no resolution has been reached.
Unifor’s western regional director, Gavin McGarrigle, explained that the decision to initiate job action stemmed from concerns regarding wages, working conditions, and the lack of progress in negotiations. If the situation does not improve, the union is prepared to escalate its actions over time.
Both TransLink and the Coast Mountain Bus Company have not yet provided a response to the union’s concerns. B.C. Transit expressed disappointment at the strike notice despite their efforts to find a resolution. The strike will not affect HandyDART service, and B.C. Transit affirmed its dedication to ongoing negotiations while minimizing disruptions for customers, employees, partners, and communities.
The organization expressed regret for any inconvenience resulting from the labor dispute.
