Metro Vancouver faces possible transit strike during World Cup
Over 5,000 transit workers voted 99% in favour of strike action. Both sides continue mediated negotiations with no strike date set yet.
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A complete shutdown of Metro Vancouver's transit system remains possible after months of stalled negotiations between the Unifor union and Coast Mountain Bus Company.
More than 5,000 transit workers—including bus operators, skilled trades, service and SeaBus staff—voted 99 per cent in favour of strike action on May 26. The two Unifor locals, 111 and 2200, are pushing for a contract that keeps pace with living costs in one of Canada's most expensive cities.
Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor's Western regional director, said the union wasn't asking for the world. "They are asking for a fair contract that keeps pace with the cost of living in one of the most expensive cities in the country. The sooner the employer recognizes that, the sooner we get a deal," he said.
CMBC says it remains committed to reaching a fair agreement.
Joint bargaining began again Monday, June 1, but negotiations through June 5 did not produce an agreement. Both parties agreed to continue mediated discussions, with a mediator appointed as a neutral third party to help reach a settlement.
On Thursday, a Unifor spokesperson told Vancouver Is Awesome that mediation dates are scheduled for later this month. "The union's priority remains negotiating a fair and equitable collective agreement for our members," the statement said. No earliest possible strike date was provided, though the statement suggests June may be clear. Under the Canada Labour Code, the union must issue a 72-hour notice before any strike begins.