Transit strike drags on in Sea-to-Sky corridor

WHISTLER, B.C. - Talks have collapsed between striking transit workers and their employer in the Sea-to-Sky region of B.C., with the two sides unable to agree on eventual wage parity.

Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle says in a statement that progress was being made during two days of negotiations before they ended late Thursday.

McGarrigle says talks broke off when the two private contractors bargaining on behalf of BC Transit rejected eventual wage parity with Metro Vancouver transit operators who make an average of $3 more per hour.

We appreciate the kudos from riders, but “thanks” isn’t enough from the employer. Local 114 members on strike in #Squamish #Whistler and #Pemberton. @BCTransit: stop dragging your heels and get funding to this region so transit workers can get back to serving their community. https://t.co/MaN5QQpvym

— Gavin McGarrigle (@gavinmcgarrigle) March 18, 2022

The Unifor statement says no future negotiating dates are scheduled.

More than 80 members of Unifor Local 114 went on strike Jan. 29, suspending BC Transit services in Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton.

The union says two years of bargaining leading up to the strike failed to make headway on demands including job security, benefits, or the wage parity issue.

Photo courtesy of Istock.