Unifor Locals 111 and 2200, the unions representing Metro Vancouver transit workers, delivered a strike notice to Coast Mountain Bus Company, with the job action having begun on Monday, August 17.
Now, transit workers will begin a new phase of job action on Monday, August 24, according to information provided to 604 Now.
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Metro Vancouver Transit Strike
On August 17, union members began a uniform ban, meaning that members reported 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?
Potentially. Originally, the job action did not affect transit service. Bus and SeaBus service continued its normal operations as riders saw no schedule, route, or service level changes.
According to information provided to 604 Now, bus operators will now take their full scheduled break and recovery times as opposed to rushing to maintain schedules. This new job action may result in delays and longer wait times across some routes.
Workers reportedly say that the measure is intended to ensure operators receive the breaks they are entitled to while also maintaining safe operations.
Unifor Locals 111 and 2200 collectively represent over 5,000 transit workers in Metro Vancouver.
