PWTransit workers go on strike, recruitment and retention are the main issues
by CM Staff
Unifor says that transit workers in the Comox Valley are paid less than their counterparts in other areas of the province and while they've made some progress in recent contracts, they're still significantly behind.
Unifor Local 114 members at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) began strike action this morning in Comox Valley and Campbell River, B.C., to make a stand to improve public transit. (CNW Group/Unifor)
COMOX — Unifor Local 114 members at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) began strike action this morning in Comox Valley and Campbell River, B.C.
“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.
Workers at PWTransit withdrew bus services at 4:30 a.m. Contract negotiations failed earlier this week and no future meeting dates are scheduled.
The union says insufficient wages have created recruitment and retention issues. The inability to attract and retain drivers has led to an overreliance on overtime forcing both safety concerns and work-life balance problems as drivers are forced to work extra hours.
The employer has also now proposed a step-rate. The pay progression system also reportedly exacerbates the recruitment and retention issue which ultimately impacts the service that can be delivered to the public.
“These drivers are tired of working so much overtime,” said Unifor Local 114 President Gord McGrath. “They’ve been maxing out on the National Safety Code for nearly a year. Exhausted drivers are a road safety issue. We want to see additional staffing and an increase in transit service – two things that would greatly benefit these communities.”
Throughout negotiations, Local 114 sought wage parity with other professional transit drivers in British Columbia. Unifor says that transit workers in the Comox Valley are paid less than their counterparts in other areas of the province and while they’ve made some progress in recent contracts, they’re still significantly behind.
Unifor demands more transparency from the government on how BC Transit (a Crown corporation) funds their contracted companies.
“The B.C. government is setting up a legacy for disputes,” added McGarrigle. “There are long-standing issues with BC Transit and the very structure of how funding is distributed. This needs to change and it needs to happen now.”
HandyDART will still be available on essential service levels during the labour action.
The 75 Unifor Local 114 members work as transit operators, HandyDART operators, mechanics, and cleaners.
