Greater Victoria bus service faces cancellations and delays starting Monday

Greater Victoria transit riders are being warned to prepare for bus cancellations and delays beginning Monday after mediation between BC Transit and the union representing transit workers ended without a tentative agreement.

BC Transit confirmed Friday that Unifor Local 333-BC will reinstate an overtime ban at the start of service on Monday, October 5th.

The job action is expected to affect conventional transit service throughout the Victoria Regional Transit System, with both trip cancellations and delays possible.

Victoria handyDART service will not be affected.

The latest development follows mediation between BC Transit and Unifor Local 333-BC on September 28th and 29th.

According to the union, the mediation resolved some outstanding issues, but several significant hurdles remained following those discussions.

“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.”

Unifor had previously agreed to temporarily halt its overtime ban until October 5th at BC Transit’s request, giving the two sides additional time to try to resolve the remaining issues.

On Friday, BC Transit said mediation had now concluded without a tentative agreement and that the union had advised the transit agency the overtime ban would resume Monday.

The union is also calling for additional government funding for public transit, arguing that funding is an important part of reaching an agreement and maintaining reliable transit service.

“Transit workers in Victoria want a deal and they have shown real patience to get one,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

BC Transit said it understands the renewed job action may cause concern for customers and communities that rely on transit and that it will issue service alerts as soon as possible when trips are affected.

The transit agency is also preparing business continuity plans in case of further labour action.

The labour dispute has been ongoing for months.

Unifor Local 333-BC members voted 97% in favour of strike action in May. The union represents approximately 790 conventional transit operators and mechanics in Greater Victoria, and their previous collective agreement expired March 31st, 2025.

Workers began a uniform ban in August before escalating job action with an overtime ban on September 1st.

Under an overtime ban, employees continue working their regularly scheduled shifts but do not accept overtime. Because BC Transit relies on overtime to operate some scheduled service, the action can result in cancelled trips.

BC Transit said Friday it remains focused on reaching an agreement.

“BC Transit continues to work toward a fair agreement that balances the needs of employees, customers, and the long-term sustainability of transit service,” the transit agency said.

BC Transit said it would not provide further comment while the labour matter remains active.

Riders are being encouraged to check BC Transit service alerts before travelling beginning Monday as cancellations and delays may change throughout the day.