Unionized bus drivers and SeaBus operators voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking strike action Tuesday after contract talks between Unifor and the Coast Mountain Bus Company broke off.
Unifor Locals 111 and 2200, which represent 5,000 transit workers across Metro Vancouver, said negotiations began in February, before the previous contract was set to expire on March 31, but deteriorated after the employer “hardened its position and refused to withdraw its concession demands.”
Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle says the results of the votes are in and 99 per cent of members support their bargaining committee.
He says bargaining will resume on Monday.
“We hope to get a fair contract, but this employer should be under no illusion about the determination of our members and their willingness to strike if needed,” said McGarrigle.
“We expect all of the concessions to be immediately off the table and to get into monetary discussions so that we can get that fair deal for these workers sooner rather than later.”
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The unions’ demands include improved wages and conditions to help retain maintenance workers and operators. He adds that washrooms for transit operators are also on the table.
“In 2026 [it’s] frankly ridiculous, but unfortunately, we have to discuss it.”
McGarrigle says the unions have no intention to strike before thousands of visitors arrive in the Lower Mainland.
“Hopefully, we can get it wrapped up before [the FIFA World Cup], but we’re really bargaining a contract for the next few years to make sure that the system itself is robust and the workers are taken care of. So yes, of course, FIFA is a concern for everyone, but our concern is getting that contract done as soon as possible so that everyone has all the stability they need and our workers have better working conditions.”