Sea-to-Sky transit workers reach tentative deal to end 4-month strike
Transport workers in BC’s Sea-to-Sky corridor have reached a tentative agreement with their employers that could end a tough four-month bus strike.
More than 80 drivers and mechanics serving Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton have been on the hotline since January 29 for what they say is an unfair pay gap with their counterparts in Metro Vancouver.
Unifor, which represents workers, said Thursday night that its bargaining committee for Contractors Local 114 and BC Transit PW Transit had reached an agreement with the help of a mediator.
Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle said he could not share details of the deal until it was brought to members for a vote on Monday, but that the union was pleased it would be implemented. show key priorities.
“There are no concessions in this deal. This is all aimed at resolving the past two years when we did not have a collective agreement, while also continuing to work on the new agreement,” he told Global News.
“That’s the problem here and now, it’s the high cost of living, the wage disparity and making sure that transit workers get the wages, pensions, benefits that allow them to live in the community. where they work.”
Global News requested comment from PW Transit.
The union has previously argued that Sea-to-Sky shipping workers are paid $3 to $4 less than their counterparts in Metro Vancouver.
Negotiations between the two sides have broken down several times before, most recently in early May, despite efforts by one side to mediate.
The protracted dispute has caused considerable frustration from the community, prompting the mayors of Squamish and Whistler to speak out and call for a speedy resolution.
The union said once the deal is agreed, transportation service will resume “when it is deemed safe.”
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