Three union chapters representing numerous transit workers in Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria have issued strike notices, giving a 72-hour heads-up. Unifor 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 to the Coast Mountain Bus Company, with no immediate impact on service for riders. Another statement revealed that B.C. Transit workers in Victoria, represented by Local 333, will also participate in the uniform ban starting Monday.
In Greater Victoria, the action follows over a year of negotiations, with members overwhelmingly voting for a strike in May. Despite months of bargaining and mediation in Metro Vancouver, no settlement was reached. Unifor’s western regional director, Gavin McGarrigle, stated that the move was necessary due to unresolved issues like wages, working conditions, and lack of progress at the bargaining table. He emphasized that if the situation does not improve, further escalation may occur over time.
Both TransLink and the Coast Mountain Bus Company did not provide immediate comments in response to the strike notice. B.C. Transit expressed disappointment despite their efforts to find a resolution, ensuring that HandyDART services remain unaffected. The organization reiterated its commitment to negotiation while acknowledging the potential inconvenience caused by the labor dispute.