Sea to Sky transit workers, employer return to bargaining table next week

BC Transit and the union representing bus drivers in the Sea to Sky region will return to the bargaining table next week, according to Unifor Local 114.

It’ll be their second crack at mediated talks this month after mediated talks failed last week.

“Mediation in the context of free collective bargaining is how this dispute is going to be solved,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “We’re eager to get back to the bargaining table and find a resolution as soon as possible.”

Transit workers in Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton have been on strike since January as they look to get better wages.

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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.

In their latest round of talks, the union says BC Transit’s third-party contractor, PW Transit, rejected its proposal.

Despite the talks breaking down, Unifor says the May 11 negotiations “moved the parties closer to a deal.”

“I’m confident that, if the employer can creatively acknowledge a reasonable road map to wage parity during the life of the next agreement, we’ll have a deal,” said McGarrigle.

Union, employer talk with B.C. labour minister

Next week’s mediation comes after both sides met with B.C.’s labour minister over the past few days. Unifor says the province “has indicated that it has faith in the mediation process as already outlined” and that no “special mediator” has been appointed.

Previously, BC Transit said in a statement to CityNews it was disappointed to hear an agreement could not be reached on May 11.

“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.