Service disruptions are now in place as BC Transit’s Cowichan Valley Regional Transit System has halted most operations due to a worker strike.
The workers unions, Unifor locals 114 and 333 operating under Transdev Canada, have initiated a strike, causing a service suspension across the Cowichan Valley region.
The unions represent approximately 50 workers who have been on strike since Saturday, February 8th.
According to BC Transit, the only operations that will continue is the handyDART service for customers with appointments related to renal dialysis, cancer treatment and multiple sclerosis.
Service has also been suspended for the interregional Cowichan to Victoria and Shawnigan Lake to Victoria routes. The Nanaimo to Cowichan route is not affected.
The transit workers unions say that the strike was initiated because talks between Unifor and the employer have broken down and negotiations have been stalled.
“We support our members as they seek a fair deal and hope Transdev gets back to the table quickly,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.
“As I’ve said before, strike action is not something we take lightly, but we will continue until our members are shown respect by the company.”
The key issues for the unions and the workers they represent in this dispute include attaining better working conditions, particularly surrounding breaks and appropriate washroom facilities for operators, as well as better wages and pensions.
The union members voted unanimously for strike action back in November of last year.
Prior to the strike action, all members of the union refused to wear their uniforms throughout January as a sign of protest.
“Bus drivers need to be protected, particularly when it comes to breaks and accessing safe and clean washrooms while on shift,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director.
“It’s unacceptable to be behind the wheel for hours and denied a basic human right. We’re going to continue fighting until Transdev addresses this.”
More to come on the strike and the services it impacts when negotiations are resumed between the workers unions and BC Transit.
