(File photo/Vernon Matters)

By Pete McIntyre

Wages & pensions

Transit workers in Vernon and Salmon Arm issue strike mandate

Aug 23, 2022 | 3:25 PM

Unionized transit workers in Vernon and the Shuswap have voted 98.5 per cent in favour of job action if they can’t negotiate a fair collective agreement in the coming weeks.

Unifor Local 114 said wages, pensions and work-life balance are priorities in bargaining for workers at First Canada, a third party contractor for B.C. Transit.

Sarah McCue, national representative, communications for Unifor, told Vernon Matters there are 68 members in the bargaining units, including conventional and custom transit operators, mechanics, cleaners and office staff.

McCue said no new negotiations are scheduled.

The union said the members are digging their heels in.

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“As we saw in the Sea to Sky region, transit workers are determined to achieve collective agreements that reflect their contribution to local economies,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor western regional director.

The union added the longest transit strike in B.C.’s history, in Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton, took place earlier this year when another B.C. Transit contractor would not negotiate a modern agreement for transit workers.

“The solution at First Canada is the same solution found at PW Transit: fair wages and a recognition that inflation should not erode wages,” said McGarrigle.