Metro Vancouver transit operators to vote on tentative deal, threatens full strike

VANCOUVER - Unionized Metro Vancouver bus drivers and transit workers are set to vote next week on a proposed agreement with Coast Mountain Bus Company. The tentative deal, announced after negotiations commenced in February, includes a first annual payment of $205.00 plus GST for one year, with automatic renewal at $233.00 plus GST every 52 weeks, representing a 10% discount from the regular annual price of $259.35.

The offer is available to new and qualified returning subscribers only, and subscribers can cancel at any time.

The Unifor Locals 111 and 2200, representing the affected workers, announced that members will cast their votes on the proposed agreement on Monday. However, if the members reject the deal, a full strike is planned to commence on Wednesday at midnight, completely halting bus and SeaBus services throughout Metro Vancouver. The union has previously rejected two previous tentative agreements and has authorized strike action in a vote of over 99% of members.

The tentative deal was brokered through the mediation process after negotiations hit a stalemate, leading to job actions by the workers, including a ban on wearing uniforms and refusing to sacrifice break times to maintain bus routes operating behind schedule. Coast Mountain Bus Company had stated that the proposed deal adheres to the framework established in similar agreements involving public sector unions.