Transit workers across metro Vancouver have a set a date for a strike vote this month.
Nearly 4,700 transit operators, skilled trade workers, along with support staff will take part in a strike vote on Thursday, April 28.
The workers are represented by two unions who have been in negotiations with Coast Mountain Bus company since February 17, 2016. Disagreements led to a breakdown of negotiations on April 6.
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Currently, the primary issues for employees are wages, benefits, and working conditions. Transit operators currently start $19.57 per hour, with a maximum of $30.91 per hour after two years of employment.
Unifor Local 111 president Nathan Woods says the wage is lower than other workers in similar positions across British Columbia.
Woods believes a strike vote will help bring the company back to the bargaining table.
Vancouver’s last transit operators strike occurred in 2011 and lasted four months.
If transit operators vote in favour of the strike on April 28, SkyTrain service will not be affected, but don’t rule out the occasional breakdowns and delays..
