BC Transit workers vote 96.7% in favour of strike action as contract dispute continues

BC Transit workers in Greater Victoria have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, with 96.7% of members represented by Unifor Local 333-BC supporting a strike mandate.

The vote comes after more than 14 months of bargaining between the union and BC Transit over a new collective agreement, which expired on March 31st, 2025.

The strike vote covers approximately 790 conventional transit operators and mechanics who work throughout the Victoria Regional Transit System.

According to a BC Transit driver who spoke with Victoria Buzz, negotiations reached an impasse last week after discussions surrounding issues including break times, access to washroom facilities and benefits.

“It’s done. The union can give 72 hours strike notice anytime between now and the next 90 days,” the driver said.

The driver added that BC Transit has since agreed to return to the bargaining table, and no strike notice has been issued at this time.

In a statement provided to Victoria Buzz, BC Transit confirmed it has been informed of the strike vote and emphasized there are currently no impacts to service.

“This bargaining process relates to conventional transit operations only and does not involve handyDART service,” BC Transit said.

The transit agency noted the strike mandate gives union leadership the ability to initiate job action with 72 hours notice at any point within the next 90 days.

“We understand this may create concern for riders, employees and the communities that rely on transit service in the Victoria Regional Transit System,” said BC Transit.

The organization says it is preparing business continuity plans while continuing negotiations.

“BC Transit is actively preparing business continuity plans and remains committed to negotiating in good faith to reach a fair agreement while balancing the needs of employees, riders and the long-term sustainability of transit service.”

Unifor confirmed that members remain focused on several key issues at the bargaining table, including wages, benefits, working conditions and maintenance training.

“There’s a reason members voted the way they did, and it comes down to wanting to be treated fairly for essential work,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“This mandate puts real weight behind our committee, and we’ll use it to push for the agreement these transit workers have earned.”

Meanwhile, the Victoria Transit Riders Union (VTRU) has publicly backed transit workers, calling on BC Transit to reach what it describes as a fair agreement that includes adequate break times, access to washroom facilities and improved working conditions.

“VTRU stands with bus drivers and other transit workers. The work they do is critical to this city and to the planet, and we support their fight for dignified working conditions and a fair deal,” said VTRU chair Liz Cronin.

The advocacy group said it would hold BC Transit responsible for any service disruptions resulting from a strike and criticized the transit agency’s handling of negotiations to date.

BC Transit riders are encouraged to monitor service updates on its website should negotiations deteriorate and job action become necessary.

At this time, buses continue to operate normally across the Victoria Regional Transit System.