No news is bad news for BC Transit users in the Comox Valley and Campbell River.
The strike, which took effect on Dec. 15, is no closer to resolution.
According to PWTransit Canada, operators of the Campbell River and Comox Valley Transit systems, the deal voted down by members included wage increases of four per cent each year for three years, plus another three per cent increase as of date of ratification (15 per cent total over three years) in addition to improvements in fringe benefits and introduction of premiums for working evenings (past 8 p.m.).
The rejected proposal would have made the base conventional transit driver’s wage rate $30.51/hour, up from $28.48/hour and increasing to a rate of $33/hour by April 1, 2025.
According to Unifor Local 114 - the union involved in negotiations - transit workers in the Comox Valley and Campbell River are paid less than their counterparts in other areas of the province.
Union members have been working without a contract since March 31, 2023.
“We don’t take strike action lightly, but this is about fairness for our drivers, and this is about fixing the systemic problems in our transit system to provide better working conditions and quality service for the public,” said Unifor western regional director Gavin McGarrigle, in a Dec. 15 press release.
HandyDART service has been deemed essential for customers with appointments related to medical need and will continue to operate Monday through Friday during this service disruption. All other customers with pre-booked trips will be notified of cancellation.
Unifor staff representative Gavin Davies said the two sides are not currently at the table, and no dates have been set.
“The union’s position was made clear to the employer, and as of last Friday (Dec. 22) there was no additional funding in place to make an adjustment to the employer’s last offer. Therefore to meet again would be futile,” he told Black Press.
When asked for any insight regarding any possible end in sight, Davies was grim in his response.
“Unfortunately no. However, the last two transit labour disputes were for over four months in duration.”
He added that there is “almost zero percent probability of” the strike being resolved by Jan. 8, when school resumes.
BC Transit declined to respond to the same series of questions.