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VICTORIA – Unifor Local 333-BC wants a fair deal at BC Transit by October 5 and is calling on government to properly fund public transit, with the union’s overtime ban set to resume and affect bus service if no agreement is reached.
“Transit workers in Victoria want a deal and they have shown real patience to get one,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “BC Transit asked for more time and it has it. But a fair agreement and reliable service both depend on public investment, and governments have to step up with the funding transit needs.”
BC Transit and Local 333-BC met with a mediator on September 28 and 29. Those discussions resolved some outstanding issues, but several significant hurdles remain.
“Mediation moved things forward, but we are not there yet,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle. “Riders, workers and the whole community depend on a transit system that is properly funded and fairly staffed.”
At the employer’s request, the union agreed to halt an overtime ban until October 5 to give BC Transit an opportunity to resolve the remaining issues.
Unifor Local 333-BC represents BC Transit workers in Greater Victoria. The local’s overtime ban first took effect on September 1.
"Our members keep Greater Victoria moving every day and that is what we want to keep doing," said Unifor Local 333-BC President Stephan Bains. "A fair deal is still within reach by October 5, but it will take real commitment from BC Transit and public funding to back it up."
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
For media inquiries please contact Unifor Communications Representative Hamid Osman at @email or 647-448-2823 (cell).
