Anxious commuters anticipating even more transit delays in ongoing Metro Vancouver strike
Posted November 20, 2019 6:47 am.
Last Updated November 20, 2019 8:38 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Commuters who are already facing delays because of the Metro Vancouver transit strike are now bracing for further impacts, including potential SkyTrain disruptions.
Dozens of bus routes are going to see cancellations once again on Wednesday as the strike surges towards a further escalation.
Unifor – the union representing bus drivers, and SeaBus and maintenance workers – says escalating job action will be announced Wednesday, though they have not said what that will be.
RELATED: Bus, SeaBus workers’ union set to announce strike action escalation Wednesday
They say they have still been unable to reach an agreement with Coast Mountain Bus Company, and are now escalating job action because of “a failure by the employer to make new offers at the bargaining table.”
The results of a strike vote by SkyTrain workers will be announced on Thursday, but the Canada Line and West Coast Express will not be impacted.
The union says its 900 members are seeking better wages and working conditions and decided to hold the strike vote when the employer, B.C. Rapid Transit Company, rejected new bargaining dates.
So how are commuters feeling about their daily journeys? Anxious.
For Matt McArthur, not being able to take the SkyTrain would more than triple the length of his commute, up to 45 minutes.
RELATED: SkyTrain workers holding strike vote
“It could be worse, yeah. You know, a walk won’t kill you,” he told NEWS 1130.
Others, like Chris Sawers, aren’t so lucky – transit is his only option for getting to and from Steveston each day, and it’s already gotten slower.
“Delayed buses and just constant delays, about half an hour every few days,” he said. “And a cab would be too expensive, my wages don’t pay enough.”
While the union has not announced what the new job action will be, it does say workers will be receiving strike training, including preparation for picket lines following Wednesday’s announcement.
For the second day in a row, SeaBus sailings were unaffected again on Wednesday.
With files from Lauren Boothby, Marcella Bernardo and the Canadian Press
