TransLink strikes deal, averting transit strike during World Cup
Coast Mountain Bus Company and unions representing 5,000 workers reach tentative agreement after 99% strike vote in May.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
TransLink's largest operating company and the unions representing nearly 5,000 transit workers across Metro Vancouver have reached a tentative deal, preventing a strike that could have disrupted the city during the FIFA World Cup.
The agreement between Coast Mountain Bus Company and Unifor Locals 111 and 2200 includes increased wages and improved working conditions and benefits. The deal still requires ratification by both sides, with mediator Trevor Sones overseeing the process.
Workers voted 99 percent in favour of strike action last month after negotiations stalled. Had the strike proceeded, it would have crippled bus service across Vancouver and neighbouring municipalities just as the tournament has driven transit ridership up significantly. On June 18, the day Canada faced Qatar at BC Place, the transit system saw 18 percent higher ridership than on a regular Thursday.
"This agreement delivers for workers, and we look forward to members reviewing it and making their decision," said Unifor Local 111 president Mike McMillan.
Negotiations began in February, a month before the previous contract expired at the end of March. The employer had requested concessions that the unions rejected, prompting the strike vote.