Three union chapters representing a large number of transit workers in Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria have issued strike notices, giving a 72-hour notice period. Unifor has announced that transit operators in Local 111 and skilled-trade workers in Local 2200 will initiate a uniform ban on Monday following the strike notice served to the Coast Mountain Bus Company. However, there will be no immediate impact on service for riders.
Additionally, B.C. Transit workers in Victoria, represented by Local 333, will also participate in the uniform ban starting on Monday. In Greater Victoria, this action follows over a year of negotiations and a strong vote in favor of a strike by members in May. Despite months of bargaining and mediation in Metro Vancouver, a resolution could not be reached.
Unifor’s Western Regional Director, Gavin McGarrigle, stated that the decision to take this step was made due to concerns regarding wages, working conditions, and lack of progress at the negotiation table. The issues include recovery time between trips, privatization, and overall working conditions. He emphasized that if the situation does not improve, further escalation is possible.
Both TransLink and the Coast Mountain Bus Company have not yet provided comments in response to the strike notice. B.C. Transit, responsible for Victoria’s transit system, expressed disappointment over the situation despite their efforts to resolve the issues. They assured that HandyDART service will not be affected and pledged to continue negotiations while supporting all stakeholders involved. The organization apologized for any inconvenience caused by the labor dispute.