Three union chapters representing numerous transit workers in Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria have served 72-hour strike notices. According to a statement from Unifor, transit operators in Local 111 and skilled-trade workers in Local 2200 will initiate a uniform ban starting Monday after issuing the strike notice to the Coast Mountain Bus Company. However, there will be no disruption in service for passengers.
Another statement reveals that B.C. Transit workers in Victoria, represented by Local 333, will also participate in the uniform ban commencing Monday. This action follows over a year of negotiations for Greater Victoria workers, with members voting overwhelmingly in favor of a strike in May. Despite months of negotiations and mediation for Metro Vancouver workers, a settlement was not reached.
Unifor’s western regional director, Gavin McGarrigle, explained, “There are various issues ranging from wages to working conditions, but the main aim was to convey that the necessary communication was lacking at the negotiation table. If resorting to job action is the only option, we are starting at the initial stage, and we are prepared to escalate if needed.”
The decision to proceed with the strike notice was made by the union after members felt that employers had not adequately addressed ongoing concerns regarding wages, privatization, and working conditions such as the time between trips for recovery. Both TransLink and the Coast Mountain Bus Company did not provide an immediate response to requests for comments.
B.C. Transit, responsible for Victoria’s transit system, expressed disappointment over the strike notice despite their efforts to find a resolution. They assured that HandyDART service would not be affected. In a statement, B.C. Transit reiterated their commitment to ongoing negotiations while supporting their customers, employees, partners, and the communities they serve. They also apologized for any inconvenience caused by the labor dispute.