Cowichan Valley transit strike continues into 3rd month
Workers say they want bathroom breaks and better pension and wage offer
Striking bus and handyDART workers rallied outside the B.C. Transit headquarters in Victoria, B.C., on Monday, saying they have yet to get the agreement they want when it comes to wages, pension and washroom breaks.
Bus driver Michelle de Vries said that when she and her colleagues need to use the washroom, they have to pull over mid-route and look for a public facility.
She said that means they end up using places that aren't always clean, or private — and they end up running behind schedule.
"Buses run late, and it means we're making the passengers late for their job or their medical appointment," said de Vries.
Members of Unifor Locals 114 and 333 say they want both scheduled breaks and private washrooms to use. They say they also want wages to match drivers in other regions, like Victoria.
The strike began on Feb. 8, and as a result, there are no buses running in the Cowichan Valley, which is approximately 60 kilometres north of Victoria.
HandyDART service is only available for appointments related to renal dialysis, cancer treatment and multiple sclerosis.
Union calling for change at B.C. Transit
The union and employer have met for three days of mediation, with two more coming this week.
The workers are employed by a private company called TransDev, which is contracted by B.C. Transit to run bus service in the region.
Union representatives say that's one of the reasons they can't get the deal they want — arguing their employer is motivated by profits, not by public need.
They're calling on the provincial government to change the way transit is organized.
During the fall election campaign, the B.C. NDP promised to review the private contracting of public transit to make sure it was providing the best service and the best value for tax dollars.
Unifor's western regional director, Gavin McGarrigle, said labour troubles could continue across B.C. until that happens.
"We told the premier, until you fix this problem, private transit workers are going to go on strike for fairness and dignity," said McGarrigle.
In a statement to CBC, B.C.'s Ministry of Transportation and Transit said one of its key mandates is to ensure "that provincial transit services are being delivered in a way that is cost effective for taxpayers, responsive to the concerns of transit riders, and not duplicative of administration," and will do so by reviewing the private delivery model.
It said it has begun by reviewing HandyDART, a process which is currently underway.
When it comes to labour action in the Cowichan Valley, employer TransDev told CBC in a statement that it is committed to the mediation process and to getting transit up and running again.
"Our priority continues to be finding a resolution that supports our employees while maintaining the long-term sustainability of transit services in the Cowichan Valley," said Transdev Canada's senior vice president for Western Canada, Emily Watson.
Mediation is scheduled to resume on April 16 and 17.