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Over 4,700 transit operators, mechanics, maintenance and SeaBus workers in Metro Vancouver voted strongly Wednesday in favour of a one-year contract extension with the Coast Mountain Bus Company in order to focus on a YES vote in the 2015 transit and transportation referendum.
Unifor Local 111 President Nathan Woods, representing transit operators, said union members supported the short contract with 75% in favour so that the union can work hard for a positive referendum next year that would see significant improvements to the public transit system that will benefit both riders and vehicle drivers.
“This 2015 referendum is the single most important vote in a decade for the future of not only public transit and transportation but the regional economy,” Woods said. “If voters approve we will see more buses, better service, longer hours, new routes and many other improvements – and if voters defeat this, we will instead see serious cuts to already inadequate service.”
“For our riders that would be a disaster but it would also mean more traffic congestion, clogged roads that make it more difficult for businesses to move goods and services and workers to get to and from their jobs,” Woods added. “This will be a very stark choice between moving forward with 1 million more people coming to Metro Vancouver or going backwards and forcing more people into cars with increased congestion and air pollution.”
Unifor Local 2200 President Joe Elworthy, representing mechanics, maintenance and SeaBus workers, said his members understand the importance of winning the referendum to improve needed transit services throughout the region.
“We need more transit service south of the Fraser, we need more Night Bus service, we need more transit for students – and none of that can happen without public support for this referendum,” Elworthy said. “The consequences of major service cuts that would increase traffic and reduce bus and SkyTrain service hours would be horrendous.”
Unifor BC Area Director Gavin McGarrigle said the union is committed nationally to support a positive vote and will be reaching out to other unions as well as employers and other businesses to back a YES vote next year.
“We recognize as a national union that public transit and transportation improvements are critical to our economy and to reducing climate change as well,” McGarrigle said. “Better transit means a better quality of life and a stronger economy too.”
The contract extension will run to March 31, 2016, with a general wage increase of 1.75% effective April 1, 2015.
