Road

VANCOUVER— Unifor is calling on all levels of government to collaborate and ensure adequate public funding for BC's public transit systems. 

"We need strategic collaboration to fund public transit to keep our cities moving and to support good union jobs," said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. "Governments must work together to solve this funding crisis and protect our transit systems."

The members of Kingston Access Bus, Local 4266 in Kingston, Ont. have ratified their new agreement by 92%.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for their hard work to support our skilled and hard-working transit members who perform incredibly important duties in the community, day in and out,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

“Thank you to the members, who have been vocal about their support to Unifor’s accomplishments during this round of bargaining.”

STONEY CREEK, ONT.—Unifor members at Waste Management Canada Corp. (WM) have ratified a new three-year contract today, ending a nearly month-long strike.

“We’re proud of our members for standing up for a healthier work environment,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“WM workers provide skilled and crucial waste management services in the southwestern Ontario region and they’re ready to get back to work and serve their communities.”

STONEY CREEK—Unifor members working at Waste Management Canada Corp. (WM) began strike action on May 2, 2024. Major issues with the employer include forced overtime and lack of work-life-balance.

“Our dedicated members handle the tough job of ensuring commercial businesses have their garbage and recycling collected and removed in a safety-sensitive environment,” said Local 4268 President Debbie Montgomery.

Unifor is thrilled its Fund Durham Region Transit campaign propelled Durham Regional Council to reaffirm its dedication to working towards fully funding the 127% service growth needed – or 625,000 hours – for its transit system by 2032.

COMOX, B.C.– Unifor Local 114 members at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) in Comox Valley and Campbell River, B.C., have successfully ratified a new collective agreement that addresses some fixes to the public transit system.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee and to the members for standing strong at the bargaining table and on the picket lines to make a stand for improving public transit,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

VANCOUVER—Coast Mountain Bus Company’s (CMBC) refusal to find a solution in the ongoing negotiations with transit supervisors resulted in two days of lost wages for transit operators and maintenance staff.

“I have been very clear with our members: they are not going to pay the price for CMBC’s inability to get their house in order,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “We encourage CMBC to get back to the bargaining table and find a solution before further disruptions occur.”

NEW WESTMINSTER—Media are invited to an update about the 5,100 Unifor members working at Coast Mountain Bus Company (Translink) during transit supervisor negotiations.

“Translink has made a mess of things and they must fix it as soon as possible,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “Workers nor transit riders want this disruption in the region’s transportation network.”

What: Statement on transit strike action

COMOX, B.C.– Unifor Local 114 members at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) began strike action this morning in Comox and Campbell River, B.C. to make a stand to improve public transit. 

“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. 

VANCOUVER – Unifor has submitted a 72-hour strike notice to Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) after Local 114 transit workers voted to reject a tentative agreement.

The strike deadline is 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.

Local 114’s contract with PWTransit expired March 31, 2023.

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