Translink bus operator issues 72 hour strike notice for supervisor and other non bus driving positions

There could be service disruptions coming for Metro Vancouver commuters after the union representing transit workers in the Lower Mainland issued a 72-hour strike notice.

CUPE Local 4500 represents more than 180 transit workers employed by Coast Mountain Bus Company. The union and its employer are in negotiations over working conditions and compensation.

The union issued the strike notice Tuesday after a long day of mediation with no progress. It says job action will begin Saturday at 8 a.m. with an overtime ban. That will affect all operations in the Coast Mountain system.

The last collective agreement expired Dec. 31, 2022

The union said the strike will affect all Coast Mountain Transit operations across Metro Vancouver.

“While we are disappointed with the lack of movement and have served strike notice, we are still available to meet and negotiate a fair collective agreement that avoids service disruptions. We hope the employer shows the same willingness,” president Chris Gindhu said in a news release.

More than 180 workers are represented by CUPE Local 4500. Included are transit supervisors, maintenance supervisors, service supervisors, tireperson supervisors. Other staff include TComm staff, field service trainers, engineer and warranty administrators, supervisors for parts of the department, body shop, trolley overhead, and fare box staff.

Said Coast Mountain Bus Company president and general manager Michael McDaniel in a statement: “Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) has offered CUPE Local 4500 the same general wage increase that was already agreed to by all other CMBC employees. This offer is consistent with other public sector settlements in British Columbia. We urge the union to return to the bargaining table to finalize a deal.”

Let’s hope this gets resolved soon, so there is no disruptions to riders.

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