VANCOUVER—Container truck drivers’ concerns are being ignored as the Port of Vancouver forces through a program to retire trucks arbitrarily, says Unifor.
“The program is a farce. Not only does it ignore the financial concerns of truck drivers, it exempts more than 98% of trucks on B.C.’s roads,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “It’s ‘greenwashing’ at its worst. The Port’s plan imposes massive costs on truckers and will have no real effect on emissions.”
The federal Ministry of Labour’s ongoing inspections to uncover violations of new laws to protect truck drivers are important for maintaining good wages and preventing fraud, says Unifor.
WHISTLER—Unifor is encouraged that the employer has agreed to meet again with a mediator to negotiate an end to the 15-week-old job action at PW Transit in Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton.
“Mediation in the context of free collective bargaining is how this dispute is going to be solved,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “We’re eager to get back to the bargaining table and find a resolution as soon as possible.”
Canada’s largest private sector union is relieved the provincial government is restoring the Ontario Northland passenger rail line, which has been out of service since 2012.
BELLEVILLE—After concessions were tabled during contract negotiations, Unifor Local 1839 members have voted 100% in favour of taking strike action if bargaining doesn’t produce a tentative agreement by April 1, 2022.
“Seeking concessions from front-line workers is shameful,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer. “Transit workers have earned a fair contract and we will accept nothing less.”
OAKVILLE—Wage increases and job security are the highlights of the new collective agreement ratified today by Unifor Local 1256 members, ending their two-week strike at Oakville Transit.
“My congratulations to Oakville transit workers for standing up to the employer to win gains that will improve working conditions and benefits,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer.
Transit service in the region will resume on Friday, March 4, 2022.
OAKVILLE—Unifor Local 1256 members working at Oakville Transit will vote March 3, 2022 on ratification of a new collective agreement.
“It was important to these transit workers to stand up for a better deal than was being offered,” said Alice Kelly, President of Unifor Local 1256. “Their solidarity and resolve has resulted in a fair tentative agreement.”
Should the agreement be ratified, transit service in the region will resume on Friday, March 4.
Details of the agreement will be released following Thursday’s vote.
OAKVILLE—Negotiations between Unifor Local 1256 and Oakville Transit will resume Wednesday March 2, 2022, in the hope of ending ongoing strike action by transit operators and maintenance workers.
“Unifor welcomes a return to the bargaining table so that we can reach a fair deal for these frontline workers and get the buses back on the road for the riders,” said Alice Kelly, President of Unifor Local 1256.
