Sea-to-Sky transit workers end strike, win cost of living adjustment

The union representing transit workers in B.C.’s Sea-to-Sky region says the longest transit strike in B.C. history has come to an end as members return to work. 

A major factor in ending the strike was a cost of living adjustment. However, the union says they were finally able to come to an agreement with P.W. Transit. This bumps up employee wages to keep up with inflation.

Unifor says workers have voted in favour of the agreement with P.W. Transit that includes a groundbreaking cost of living adjustment that will kick in if the average monthly consumer price index in B.C. exceeds annual wage increases allowed in the deal.

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“The new five-year collective agreement (retroactive to April 2020) includes annual wage increases of 1.5%, 2%, 3%, 3%, 4% for a total 13.5% increase over the term, plus a 2% signing bonus for 2022. Pensions for the transit workers will migrate from an employer RRSP top-up to a CAAT pension plan. The union also won full benefit coverage for part-time workers, who were previously excluded from the benefits plan,” the union details in a statement. 

“This incredible victory for livable wages wouldn’t have been possible without the rock-solid picket line solidarity and the unwavering support of Sea to Sky communities,” Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director, said in a statement. 

McGarrigle says members are eager to return to serving the communities of Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton after being on strike since late January.