Talks Continue As Comox And Campbell River Transit Workers Look For New Contract

Talks continue today as transit workers in Comox and Campbell River look for a new contract.

"Unifor is committed to fighting vigorously for our transit members working in Comox and Campbell River, B.C.," said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle.

"Our members deserve fairness when it comes to doing the same work and driving the same equipment. They should be making the same wages as transit workers in other parts of the province."

While the Unifor members are in a legal strike position, as of Sunday, National President Lana Payne says they are “committed to trying to negotiate a contract that addresses the concerns and needs of the membership.”

She says the decision to take job action is never taken lightly but members can’t continue to survive on lower wages than the industry standard. She says they will strike if necessary.

Prior to any transit disruptions, Unifor says it will give the travelling public as much notice as it can.

Local 114 members are seeking a compensation package equivalent to similar-sized transit operations on Vancouver Island and elsewhere in the province. The company offer did not close that gap.

Their last contract expired in March with members voting overwhelmingly in favour of job action in a strike vote held in September.

PWTransit is contracted by BC Transit to provide services in Campbell River and Comox Valley and work as transit operators, handy dart operators, mechanics, and cleaners.