Metro Vancouver transit workers approve new contract, officially ending labour dispute
Posted December 5, 2019 9:20 pm.
Last Updated December 5, 2019 11:21 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Transit workers have voted in favour of what the union is calling a “historic” three-year agreement.
The terms of the deal, which was approved by 84.3 per cent of union members, address wages and working conditions which were the issues at the heart of the protracted dispute.
“For the first time we’ve made a major breakthrough where as we move forward through the agreement, all members who drive will be guaranteed 45 minutes rest and recovery time every single shift they work,” says Unifor spokesperson Gavin McGarrigle, adding if drivers don’t get those breaks the employer will have to pay a penalty.
“We believe that will force the company to put significant investment in the transit system, make sure that there’s more service on the road, more time for our members to take a break. We believe this is a historic collective agreement.”
McGarrigle says in the next 16 months wage increases of $3.03 per hour for drivers will bring them closer to earning the same as their counterparts in Toronto.
Trade workers will now make the same as workers doing the same job at SkyTrain.
A strong result by @UniforTheUnion for metro #Vancouver transit workers to cap off a strong campaign for significant improvements to wages, benefits, and working conditions. Thank you to everyone who supported us! #transitstrike #bclab #canlab #bcpoli #cdnpoli #vanpoli pic.twitter.com/UhDpQJrxzB
— Gavin McGarrigle (@gavinmcgarrigle) December 6, 2019
The deal with Coast Mountain Bus Company impacts about 5,000 Members of Unifor Locals 111 and 2200.
Transit workers had been without a contract since March 31.
A full transit strike was averted when a tentative agreement was struck minutes before a 12:30 a.m. deadline on Nov. 28. Without a deal, a full shutdown would have gone ahead, suspending bus and SeaBus service in the region.
