Three union chapters representing numerous transit workers in Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria have issued 72-hour strike notices. The Coast Mountain Bus Company will face a uniform ban initiated by transit operators in Local 111 and skilled-trade workers in Local 2200 starting on Monday, without affecting service for riders. Additionally, B.C. Transit workers in Victoria represented by Local 333 will join this uniform ban commencing on Monday.
In Greater Victoria, the strike notice follows over a year of bargaining, with members overwhelmingly voting in favor of a strike in May. Similarly, workers in Metro Vancouver have experienced unsuccessful negotiations and mediation attempts to reach a settlement.
Unifor western regional director Gavin McGarrigle emphasized the various issues, including wages and working conditions, that have led to this job action. He stated that the decision to strike was made after employers allegedly disregarded concerns regarding wages, privatization, and working conditions like recovery time between trips. Both TransLink and the Coast Mountain Bus Company have not yet provided a response to the situation.
B.C. Transit expressed disappointment despite their efforts to find a resolution, stating that the strike notice does not affect HandyDART service. The organization remains committed to negotiations while ensuring support for customers, employees, partners, and communities. They apologized for any inconvenience caused by the labor dispute.