Fraser Valley transit strike end in sight, union says

After nearly four months, the transit strike that has impacted thousands of commuters in the Fraser Valley could be nearing an end.

According to CUPE 561, the employer, First Transit, will accept the recommendations from mediator Vince Ready to settle the dispute.

The strike has dragged on for 122 days as of Wednesday after bus drivers and maintenance workers first walked off the job in March.

Now, the head of the union says it and the company will sign a Memorandum of Settlement (MOS) after which members will meet for ratification.

“As one of Canada’s most respected mediators, Vince Ready conducted a thorough and comprehensive review of the issues around this dispute. We want to thank him for the work he has done in bringing the parties together,” CUPE 561 President Randy Kootte said in a release.

Related articles: 

• Concerns raised over heat in Chilliwack amid transit strike

• B.C. appoints Fraser Valley bus strike mediator

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

Although workers first walked off the job on March 20, service disruptions started months earlier and have had widespread impacts.

Union workers have been calling for a new contract, citing concerns about low wages, poor working conditions, and a lack of pension.

CUPE 561 adds that the picket lines will stay up until the memorandum has been ratified.

With files from Hana Mae Nassar