Three union chapters representing numerous transit workers in Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria have issued 72-hour strike notices. Unifor announced that transit operators in Local 111 and skilled-trade workers in Local 2200 will commence a uniform ban on Monday following the strike notice to the Coast Mountain Bus Company, with no immediate impact on services for riders. Another statement mentioned that B.C. Transit employees in Victoria, represented by Local 333, will also participate in the uniform ban starting Monday.

The decision to take this action follows over a year of negotiations for workers in Greater Victoria, with a majority vote in favor of a strike in May. Similarly, attempts at bargaining and mediation for workers in Metro Vancouver have not resulted in a resolution.

Unifor’s western regional director, Gavin McGarrigle, stated, “There are various concerns ranging from wages to working conditions, but it is evident that our message has not been effectively communicated at the negotiating table. If resorting to job action is our only option, we are starting at a minimal level, but we are prepared to escalate if necessary.”

The union expressed disappointment in the employers’ failure to address ongoing issues such as wages, privatization, and working conditions, including the recovery time between trips. Both TransLink and the Coast Mountain Bus Company refrained from immediate comments on the situation.

Regarding B.C. Transit, which manages Victoria’s transit system, it mentioned that the strike notice was issued despite extensive efforts to find a resolution and emphasized that HandyDART service remains unaffected. The organization conveyed its commitment to continuing negotiations while assuring support for customers, employees, partners, and the community, expressing regret for any inconvenience resulting from the labor dispute.