Sea to Sky transit strike ongoing as mediation between union, employer fails
Posted May 12, 2022 11:10 am.
Mediated talks to end a transit strike in Squamish, Pemberton, and Whistler have failed.
The union representing workers says the big issue remains the same. Unifor Local 114 has been pushing for a plan that will give its members wage parity with their counterparts in Metro Vancouver.
Unifor says “various options and multiple timelines” were discussed. However, the union claims PW Transit, a third-party contractor hired by BC Transit, which operates transit in the area, rejected proposals.
The union says it’s proposed a “slightly modified” option of one of the company’s recent offers. That proposal, it claims, was rejected. The change would have seen signing bonuses converted to wages spread out over an agreed-to term, “leaving the parties only $0.25 per hour apart on transit drivers’ wages in 2024.”
Related article: Sea to Sky transit strike passes hundredth day as bargaining talks are revived
The strike started at the end of January. The Sea to Sky area has been without bus service for nearly 15 weeks.
Talks with a mediator resumed Wednesday after they broke off a week prior.
The union has suggested wages and benefits are the main points of contention in negotiations, adding drivers and mechanics in Whistler, Pemberton, and Squamish are making an average of $3 less per hour than their counterparts on the Lower Mainland.
Unifor claims its offer for another day of mediation was rejected by PW Transit.
In a statement to CityNews, BC Transit says it’s disappointed to hear an agreement couldn’t be reached Wednesday.
“We sincerely apologize to riders in the Sea-to-Sky region who are impacted by this job action, and are closely monitoring the situation. We will update you when we know more and remain hopeful the parties will come to a resolution soon,” the email reads.
