Union pushes to include SkyTrain in Metro Vancouver strike action; transit authorities file for ‘essential services’ designation

The deadline to prevent another full-scale bus strike in Metro Vancouver this weekend is looming, and whether or not it will include picket lines at SkyTrain stations remains undecided.

We’re expected to find out on Friday whether the Labour Relations Board will rule in favour of CUPE Local 4500’s bid to allow its members to expand picket lines to other Metro Vancouver transit operations, like SkyTrain and West Coast Express stations.

The argument CUPE 4500 is trying to make is that TransLink, BC Rapid Transit, and West Coast Express worked together with Coast Mountain Bus Company to ease pressure amid the last round of job action. The argument claims these groups are allies with CMBC, and as such, their stations and buildings should be fair game for pickets.

If the Labour Relations Board agrees, and if the next round of strike action proceeds, that could stall service not just on bus and SeaBus lines in Metro Vancouver, but could also affect SkyTrain — operated by TransLink — and other operations, if unionized members decide not to cross picket lines.

CUPE 4500’s 180 transit supervisors went on strike for two days last week, taking buses off Metro Vancouver roads and docking SeaBuses. At that time, SkyTrains, the Canada Line, and the West Coast Express were not affected because the union was not in a position to legally picket those services.

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As of Wednesday morning, transit authorities — including CMBC, TransLink, West Coast Express, BC Rapid Transit, and others — had filed for “essential services designation.”

According to the Ministry of Labour, it is up to the union and the employer to determine which specific transit services are considered essential. This will be done through an application with the Labour Relations Board, and the process has been initiated, the ministry says.

“The Labour Relations Code defines essential services as necessary to prevent a threat to the health, safety or welfare of the residents of British Columbia,” the ministry said.

A week ago, the province appointed a special mediator in the labour dispute and neither side has made any public statements since then.

Special Mediator Vince Ready’s recommendations are due Friday. If they don’t lead to an agreement, the union is ready to resume picket lines Saturday through Monday.

Talks of a possible SkyTrain shutdown began Jan. 21, when the union that represents workers on the SkyTrain Expo and Millennium lines said if a deal wasn’t reached, members of CUPE 7000 would not have to report to work if they came across a picket line and they’re encouraged to “join CUPE 4500 members in picketing.”

Meanwhile, CMBC spokesperson Mike Killeen previously said the union should come back with a more realistic wage offer since it’s asking for nearly double the increase other CMBC unions have already agreed to.

Right now, a transit supervisor makes about $92,400 a year, and they’re asking to be brought up to $115,400 in three years — a 25 per cent increase — according to CMBC.

The bus company is offering them just under half the increase the union is asking for.

-With files from Monika Gul and Charlie Carey