Metro Vancouver transit workers ratify deal, strike averted after months of job action
Unifor members voted 68% to accept new CMBC contract with stronger enforcement language on running time and recovery time.
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Metro Vancouver transit workers have ratified a new collective agreement with Coast Mountain Bus Company, ending months of labour unrest that threatened service across the region.
Unifor Locals 111 and 2200, representing over 5,000 bus drivers and skilled trades workers, voted 68% in favour of the tentative deal. The agreement brings an end to job action that began just before the FIFA World Cup and included union bans on drivers wearing uniforms and suspending the practice of giving up breaks to make up lost time.
Negotiations focused on running time, recovery time, and electronic service sheets — issues transit operators flagged as critical to working conditions. The new agreement includes a Letter of Understanding that creates a direct mediator process for compliance failures, bypassing drawn-out grievance procedures. If either the employer or union fails to comply with contract terms, the matter goes straight to mediator Trevor Sones.
"Transit operators told us running time and recovery time had to be fixed, and this agreement puts real enforcement behind that language," said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director.
Local 111 represents bus drivers, while Local 2200 covers skilled trades, service workers, and SeaBus employees. The previous collective agreement expired March 31, 2026.
The agreement is now subject to CMBC Board of Directors approval for official ratification, though union acceptance typically clears that step.
The facts
How many transit workers does this agreement cover?
Unifor Locals 111 and 2200 represent over 5,000 bus drivers and skilled trades workers at Coast Mountain Bus Company.
What percentage voted to accept the deal?
68% of Unifor members voted in favour of the tentative agreement with Coast Mountain Bus Company.
What happens if either side breaks the contract terms?
Under a new Letter of Understanding, compliance failures go directly to mediator Trevor Sones, bypassing the standard grievance procedure.
When did the previous contract expire?
The previous collective agreement with Coast Mountain Bus Company expired on March 31, 2026.
