National

Transit strike drags on in Sea-to-Sky corridor

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 Mar, 2022 10:03 AM

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.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

New paid sick day policy comes into effect in B.C.

Workers in British Columbia are now eligible for five paid sick days as the provincial government brings in changes to the policy affecting workers. The government says eligible employees will be guaranteed those sick days, provided they've worked for their employer for at least 90 days.

New paid sick day policy comes into effect in B.C.

Hackers target PS752 victims' families in presser

Hackers targeted a Tuesday virtual news conference held by lawyers and family members of victims of the Iranian military's downing of a passenger jet two years ago. The family members, along with their legal team, had begun a video media availability to discuss a court decision that awarded them millions.

Hackers target PS752 victims' families in presser

U.S., Canada both declare victory in dairy dispute

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai formally requested a dispute settlement panel last May to examine allegations from American producers that Canada is denying them fair access to the Canadian market.

U.S., Canada both declare victory in dairy dispute

$40B child welfare settlement largest ever: feds

Ottawa has officially announced it has reached agreements in principle with First Nations partners to compensate children harmed by its underfunding of child welfare. Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller says at $40 billion, the settlement marks the largest in Canadian history.

$40B child welfare settlement largest ever: feds

B.C. property assessments rise province wide

Data posted on the BC Assessment website shows market value as of July 1, 2021, increased over 40 per cent in the communities of Hope, Port Alberni, Lake Cowichan and other rural areas, while Vancouver was up seven per cent.

B.C. property assessments rise province wide

Charges laid against Abbotsford and Calgary residents after a series of robberies

Charges have been laid against a 22-year-old Abbotsford resident and a 21-year-old Calgary resident after a joint investigation into a robbery series that occurred in Surrey, Langley, and Abbotsford. Between October 2, 2021 and October 11, 2021, three robberies in three different jurisdictions occurred.