Fraser Valley bus strike has some students spending $100 on weekly commutes

Students at the University of the Fraser Valley say they’ve spent hundreds of dollars getting to and from class as the bus strike in the region continues.

Since the end of March, Yash Kumar says he’s breaking the bank getting to and from his classes at the University of the Fraser Valley, where he’s an international student.

“It’s kind of really difficult for me to travel around the place. Sometimes I skip my classes to save money … $30 each day, for a week… I don’t earn that much.”

He’s one of the many countless people impacted by the Fraser Valley bus strike, now in its eighth week.

“It takes me around $30 a day to come through,” said Tirth Solanki, another student at the university. “My expenses are more than my earnings.”

“For me, I really get very, very frustrated now because it’s money, my pension only goes to Uber and taxis,” said Mary, another local impacted by the strike.

Despite growing frustrations, there are no signs of a deal between the employer, First Transit, and the union, CUPE Local 561, which says wages are the main sticking point.

“We’ve said over and over again that we want for our workers is to be treated fairly and to get paid the same as the rest of the transit workers across the region. For doing the exact same job. And that’s the problem, we’re 32 per cent below what the rest of the workers are making,” said CUPE 561 President Randy Kootte.

Related articles:

• Fraser Valley bus strike a struggle for many forced to pay for other transit options

• Fraser Valley transit strike: No labour talks scheduled, union says

In a statement, First Transit says in part, it presented a comprehensive offer on March 16, which includes total wage increases of up to 16 per cent over five years. B.C.’s Labour Minister says he shares the frustration of those impacted and he’s reached out to both parties.

“I have strongly suggested to them to get back to the bargaining table and also offer help, that if they need help through mediation, the mediation help is available,” Harry Bains said.

While both sides suggest they’re open to resuming negotiations or going with mediation, neither are happening right now.

“Please open the BC Transit because it’s too harsh for us to be honest, and we can’t spend what we earn – more than what we earn,” Kumar added.