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

COVID-19 hospitalizations highest ever in B.C.

Dr. Bonnie Henry says 706 people have been hospitalized in the last week, but the numbers appear to be peaking. She says patients who contracted the dominant Omicron variant are going home in about half the time compared with those who are sickened with the Delta variant.

COVID-19 hospitalizations highest ever in B.C.

Wilson-Raybould outlines 'true reconciliation'

Jody Wilson-Raybould says allowing Indigenous self-determination would support the cultural, social and economic well-being of Indigenous Peoples, while giving nations, governments and industry the certainty needed during a transitional time.

Wilson-Raybould outlines 'true reconciliation'

NDP introduce bill to decriminalize drug use

Leader Jagmeet Singh is putting his weight behind the bill, tabled by his NDP colleague Gord Johns, decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of drugs including cocaine and heroin.

NDP introduce bill to decriminalize drug use

Erin O'Toole to face leadership review by caucus

He wrote that MPs who want him out are confused about what direction to take the Conservative party--which has been a source of concern under O'Toole's tenure.

Erin O'Toole to face leadership review by caucus

StatCan: Economy grew 0.6% in November

The growth in November pushed the GDP above pre-pandemic levels by 0.2 per cent, the agency says. The agency also says its initial estimate for December suggests real GDP was essentially unchanged for the final month of 2021 to bring growth to 4.9 per cent for the full year.

StatCan: Economy grew 0.6% in November

Protests in Canada get attention south of border

Donald Trump himself shouted out Ottawa's so-called "trucker convoy" during a speech Saturday in Texas. One of Trump's most controversial supporters in Congress, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, also expressed solidarity.