Unifor Locals 111 and 2200, the unions representing Metro Vancouver transit workers, have just delivered a 72-hour strike notice to Coast Mountain Bus Company, with the job action slated to begin on Monday, August 17.
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Metro Vancouver Transit Strike
On Monday, union members will begin a uniform ban, meaning that members will report for their regular shifts out of uniform.
“Our members have chosen a collective show of solidarity as their next step in the bargaining process,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Collective transit services in British Columbia depend on transit workers who connect people and communities every single day.”
The Bargaining Table
Back in February, bargaining opened as members identified cost-of-living pressures, health and safety, and dignity in retirement as core priorities that they wished to focus on. A settlement was not produced when the parties later entered mediation. Moreover, working conditions and wages reportedly remain unresolved.
A media release notes that Unifor is prepared to return to the table at any point before the notice period expires.
Will Transit Be Affected?
The job action will not affect transit service. Bus and SeaBus service will continue its normal operations as riders will see no schedule, route, or service level changes.
“Our members picked an action that pressures the employer without taking service away from the people who rely on it,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle. “Nobody should read that as hesitation. This is a membership that voted almost unanimously to escalate, and they will if this employer forces the issue.”
Unifor Locals 111 and 2200 collectively represent over 5,000 transit workers in Metro Vancouver.
